Patriots reportedly have 'never been close' to trading Stephon Gilmore

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore has frequently come up in trade rumors since the end of the 2020 campaign. However, it appears the veteran has never come close to being moved. 

The Patriots have "never been close" to trading Gilmore, a source told The Athletic's Jeff Howe. However, another source told Howe that Gilmore's name "again rose in trade circles" before he was placed on the physically unable to perform list this summer. 

Howe lists several reasons why a trade isn't likely. He says other teams have been "reluctant" to give the Patriots a high draft pick and then pay Gilmore big money. Secondly, he says New England isn't interested in "just giving away" the four-time Pro Bowler.

Gilmore is in the final season of a five-year, $65 million contract and will become a free agent if he cannot reach a deal with the Patriots. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said during an appearance on WEEI's "Gresh & Keefe" last week that, while it's possible, he doesn't believe Gilmore will be traded this season. 

"I'd say it's possible, there's just not a big window to do it," Rapoport said. "Like, if you look at just the calendar, he'll be back (two weeks) before the trade deadline. So, theoretically, somebody would have to say, 'I trust enough in what I've seen in one game or two games to trade for him.'

"I would never rule anything out with the Patriots, but they'd have to have a really good replacement for him to do that mid-season and not have it derail everything."

The Patriots are currently relying on J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Joejuan Williams and Shaun Wade at cornerback. Gilmore is eligible to return from the PUP list after six weeks, but it's unclear if he'll play if his contract situation isn't handled.