The Stephon Gilmore trade generated much debate involving the Patriots.
Did New England mismanage an asset (yes)? Did Gilmore essentially force his way out? Is Gilmore, who wasn’t that good before hurting his quad, that big of a loss? Is J.C. Jackson ready to be a No. 1 cornerback?
All valid questions. However, one thing was clear before the trade and since has become even more evident: The Patriots are brutally thin at cornerback.
And, with Gilmore now in Carolina, there are no reinforcements on the horizon — barring a trade.