Buffalo Bills: Stephon Gilmore has no Choice but to Report to Camp
By Paul Taylor
With reports indicating Stephon Gilmore will attend Buffalo Bills’ training camp and play out the final year of his contract, the truth is he had little option but to take this path.
The Buffalo Bills‘ ongoing impasse with Stephon Gilmore took an interesting turn on Friday. As reported by Ian Rapoport, talks haven’t progressed and the cornerback is set to play out the last year of his deal.
This means Gilmore will more than likely attend training camp, with players reporting to St. John Fisher College in Rochester, next Friday. In reality though, he had little choice but to go down this route.
The Bills decided to pick up the fifth-year option the 25-year old’s rookie contract, meaning he will earn $11 million this coming season. While he would understandably like the security of a long-term deal, he risks losing $40,000 for every day he doesn’t show up at camp.
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Gilmore believes he is one of the top corners in the game and should be paid accordingly. However, while the 2012 10th overall draft pick is extremely important to Rex Ryan’s scheme – which puts extra pressure on cornerbacks – he’s not as good as he thinks he is.
This is not to take anything away from one of the rising stars at his position, but Gilmore still has something to prove. And this is not taking into account the fact he’s coming off shoulder surgery, and has missed 11 games in the previous three seasons.
In truth, the Rock Hill, South Carolina native is more than likely aware of the other aspects, which have stalled his attempts to agree a new long-term contract. One of the main ones, is the Bills’ front office is also attempting to negotiate a new deal with Tyrod Taylor.
No matter how good Gilmore may or may not be, the quarterback is usually going to take priority. Throw in the fact the Bills can quite easily apply the franchise tag to him in 2017 if necessary, and they are in no hurry to get matters resolved.
Of course, this leads to the risk of resentment on the part of the Gilmore, but that is why he has to try to stay calm and objective. There’s no doubting the Bills want him to remain in Buffalo long-term, but they have to make sure they have the available finances to attempt to satisfy everyone. (Admittedly, almost impossible in the salary cap era.)
Overall, the two-time, First Team All-SEC selection is apparently looking for $15 million per season (equivalent to Josh Norman), while the Bills are apparently prepared to go up to $13 million. Bills will hope the two sides can come to an agreement, but the chances are this saga will not be coming to a satisfactory conclusion anytime soon.
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What are your thoughts on the news that Gilmore will play out the final year of his contract? Do you believe he will eventually sign a new deal with the Bills, or are you concerned about his long-term future in Buffalo? Let us know in the comments section below.