With the swivel of a pen swiveled across the final page of a top-of-the-market contract in March of this year, Stephon Gilmore instantly guaranteed himself $31 million. It was the largest deal ever agreed to between Bill Belichick and a free agent. The five-year pact carries a maximum value of $65 million.
It’s the rarity in which the Patriots have struck these types of contracts that has brought upon their reputation of frugality. They’ve also made no effort to disguise their distaste for players who, when seeking high-end deals, allow their effort level to be effected by the negotiation process.