Two of the most important players on the New England Patriots’ roster are in the secondary.
Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson have been one of the most dynamic cornerback duos in the NFL over the past few seasons. Gilmore’s accrued three Pro Bowl nods, two First-Team All-Pro honors and a Defensive Player of the Year award over the past three seasons. Jackson had the second-most interceptions in the league last year (9) and he’s on a fast track to stardom.
Because of these accolades, it’s not hard to believe that both cornerbacks were the first Patriots to make the Top 100 Players of 2021 list on NFL Network. Jackson came first at No. 49 and Gilmore quickly followed him up at No. 47.
Three straight years on the #NFLTop100.@Patriots CB @BumpNrunGilm0re is 47 on the countdown! pic.twitter.com/xNhjzUGAIw
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 16, 2021
A debut from the @Patriots secondary 👏
J.C. Jackson comes in at 49 on the #NFLTop100! pic.twitter.com/NSRWLl95di
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 16, 2021
Gilmore and Jackson both have been unhappy with their contract situations this offseason, but Gilmore in specific isn’t letting up. He sat out during minicamp and could potentially sit out training camp/preseason until the Patriots restructure the final year of his contract.
The Patriots have the money and they’d be in a difficult situation this season if they don’t make things right with Gilmore.
