When Bill Belichick uncharacteristically signed Stephon Gilmore to a lucrative contract, the idea was that he and Malcolm Butler would team up to form an elite cornerback tandem in Foxboro. However, the signing led to speculation that Butler wouldn’t be a New England Patriot by the time the season rolled around. That gave way to rumors of New England’s interest in one of the league’s premier corners, Richard Sherman.
Even if Bill Belichick would have been able to offer Seattle a pick in the first 2 rounds, the Seahawks likely would have asked for more than a late first rounder for a player who has helped change their franchise.