Where could Stephon Gilmore land after New England Patriots release?

The New England Patriots shockingly released cornerback Stephon Gilmore earlier this morning. Already, rumors are running rampant on where he could end up.

As the shut-down corner on a Super Bowl winning team, as well as the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, Gilmore will have plenty of suitors. Moreover, the cornerback is in a unique situation — players of Gilmore’s stature don’t usually hit the open market midseason.

Many are wondering why the Patriots would release Gilmore, even with his lofty contract. However, the question now becomes where he’ll end up.

Top landing spots for Gilmore

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers secondary could get a huge boost with Gilmore — and they need it. They’ve been injury-riddled in 2021, with injuries to important pieces in the unit going down.

The interest is there, as NFL insider Josina Anderson tweeted that the Buccaneers will ‘definitely investigate’ Gilmore’s availability.

Green Bay Packers. On Sunday, the Green Bay held their collective breaths as Jaire Alexander sustained a shoulder injury in their win over the Steelers. While the team waits for news on their star corner, they could bring in another to help ease his loss.

Packers star wide receiver Davante Adams is even recruiting Gilmore. On Gilmore’s farewell letter to New England posted to Instagram, Adams commented “Call me.”

Dallas Cowboys. Arguably the best defensive player in the league has been Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs. Now, imagine Diggs with an All-Pro on the opposite side. The Cowboys have a chance to create the best cornerback duo in the entire league if they sign Gilmore.

Carolina Panthers. Could Gilmore be interested in a return to the Carolinas? The former South Carolina Gamecock could return to the area, this time with the Panthers.

Moreover, the Panthers have the second most cap space in the NFL available. Evidently, they have the money to spend to acquire Gilmore.

Kansas City Chiefs. If Gilmore is to stay in the AFC, the Chiefs may be the team he looks to join. Additionally, the Chiefs would keep him away from other contenders like the Buccaneers or Packers — two teams they could potentially see in the Super Bowl.

Stephon Gilmore becoming a free agent midseason is shocking. However, the star cornerback will land on his feet. One team will get a miracle influx of talent in their secondary — it’s just a matter of who it’ll be.

Update: Gilmore to Green Bay?

Evidently, Stephon Gilmore has his eyes set on the Green Bay Packers.

“Update: Stephon Gilmore wants to play for the Packers, according to Albert Breer,” tweeted NFL insider Dov Kleiman.

Still, a lot can change from now until Gilmore signs the dotted line. However, it’s telling that the former Patriots star is favoring joining Aaron Rodgers’ squad.