The New England Patriots had strong attendance for their first practice of mandatory minicamp, but star cornerback Stephon Gilmore was not among those present. The 30-year-old instead has decided to hold out while trying to push for a new contract.
Entering the final season of his deal, Gilmore carries a salary cap hit of $16.3 million in 2021. While that is the highest cap hit in the NFL for a cornerback, his salary is well below his market value: as a result of a series of contract restructures over the last three years, the former Defensive Player of the Year is scheduled to play on a salary of only $7 million.