Gilmore: Patriots cornerback wants to be paid "what I'm worth'
The New England Patriots' Stephon Gilmore, who currently earns a base salary of $7m, is seeking a bigger contract from the NFL franchise.
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is hopeful he can "find some common ground" with the NFL franchise and that he will be paid "what I'm worth".
The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-Pro is seeking a new contract and held himself out of mandatory minicamp to attempt to force the Patriots' hand.
Gilmore carries a salary cap hit of $16.26 million, the largest among players at his position, in 2021.
However, his base salary of $7m is half that of Byron Jones of the Miami Dolphins, who leads all corners in that regard with $14m.
Patriots player tells ESPN: "Every player should be paid what they're worth"
While he appears content to remain in New England, Gilmore clearly wants a contract that he feels reflects his status as one of the NFL's premier corners.
"I just want what I'm worth, however that plays out," Gilmore told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "Every player should be paid what they're worth. That's just how it is.
"Hopefully, we can find some common ground and get it situated. I just know what I bring to the table and my style of play.
"Right now, I'm just trying to focus on myself and make sure I'm good mentally and physically."
Gilmore feels "stronger than ever" after surgery on quadriceps issue
Gilmore was limited to 11 games last season and underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a torn quadriceps muscle.
He added of his physical condition: "I feel stronger than I've ever felt since the surgery. I've been running a lot, building full speed.
"We'll see [if he is ready for training camp]; if I need to be. But I also don't want to push it."
Since signing a five-year, $65m contract with the Patriots in 2017, Gilmore has racked up 52 pass breakups, tied for sixth-most in the NFL, and 11 interceptions.