NFL Rumors: Stephon Gilmore Surprised By Patriots' Free Agent Interest

Stephon Gilmore reportedly is set to join the defending Super Bowl champions on a pretty hefty contract.

But the Pro Bowl cornerback apparently took the news with more puzzlement than elation.

Shortly after reports surfaced Thursday morning that the New England Patriots are expected to sign Gilmore in free agency, ESPN’s Josina Anderson sent out a series of interesting tweets about how the former Buffalo Bills defensive back reacted to the move.

I'm told Stephon Gilmore didn't find out about the #Pats interest until this am. Plenty of change for the CB, w/ a new baby on the way too.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017

Was just told Stephon Gilmore was a little bit disappointed the #Bears weren't "more serious" w/ offer. Just "let the chips fall" after that

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017

CB Stephon Gilmore's new baby girl's due date is today. #FreeAgencyBaby

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017

In sum: Gilmore wasn’t exactly expecting to be a Patriot. In fact, the 26-year-old thought he might land with the Chicago Bears, who reportedly had heavy interest in Gilmore but apparently didn’t offer him a worthy contract.

We don’t doubt Gilmore is excited about his opportunity in New England, but it’s noteworthy that he reportedly wasn’t aware the Patriots were pursuing him. New England wasn’t closely tied to Gilmore in free agent rumors, which could suggest the team made a last-minute decision to sign him. With Logan Ryan hitting unrestricted free agency and Malcolm Butler tied to the Patriots only by a first-round tender, perhaps New England learned of another shoe dropping at the cornerback position and pulled the trigger on a deal for Gilmore.

Of course, that’s all speculation, and we’d imagine the five-year veteran and future father is quite pleased to be joining the NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense in 2016.