Could Stephon Gilmore Return to the AFC East? Patriots Fans Might Not Love the Answer
The New England Patriots have spent the last few years turning the page on their dynasty era. One by one, the cornerstone players who helped define that run have either been released or allowed to walk in free agency. And while that’s the nature of the NFL - nothing lasts forever - it hasn’t stopped fans from holding out hope that a few familiar faces might one day return.
One of those names? Stephon Gilmore.
The former Defensive Player of the Year remains unsigned deep into the 2025 season, and with the playoffs looming, his future has become one of the more intriguing storylines in the league. Even more so now, after a social media hint that suggests he might be eyeing a return to where it all started - and no, we’re not talking about Foxboro.
Gilmore Hints at a Buffalo Reunion
In the days leading up to Week 14, Gilmore responded to a fan on social media with a cryptic emoji - the kind of response that doesn’t say much but says everything. The fan had floated the idea of Gilmore returning to Buffalo, where his NFL career began.
Gilmore didn’t deny it. He didn’t ignore it.
He simply replied with a thinking face emoji. That’s all it took to send fans - particularly in New England - into a mild panic.
Let’s rewind for a second. Gilmore spent his first five seasons with the Bills, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young corners. That earned him a big payday with the Patriots, where he reached the peak of his career - including that 2019 Defensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl ring.
But his departure from New England in 2021, via trade to Carolina after a contract dispute, left a sour taste. Since then, he’s bounced around, playing for four different teams and continuing to perform at a high level. In fact, he was still producing in 2024 with the Vikings, which makes his current free-agent status all the more surprising.
Why Gilmore Still Matters
At 35, Gilmore isn’t the same player he was during his All-Pro seasons, but he’s far from washed. He’s a savvy veteran with elite instincts, a guy who can still lock down a side of the field and bring leadership to a secondary - especially one that’s playoff-bound and in need of reinforcements.
That’s where Buffalo comes in.
The Bills have been dealing with inconsistencies in their cornerback group all season. Injuries and uneven performances have left the defense vulnerable at times, particularly against top-tier passing attacks. If they’re looking to bolster their secondary for a postseason run, Gilmore would be a logical - and potentially high-impact - addition.
And that’s exactly what should make Patriots fans uneasy.
A Nightmare Scenario for New England?
The Patriots have flirted with the idea of bringing Gilmore back themselves. Earlier in the season, with Christian Gonzalez sidelined and Carlton Davis III struggling, there was real buzz about a reunion. But that talk has cooled recently, thanks in part to improved play from the secondary.
Still, the idea of Gilmore suiting up for a division rival - especially one as loaded and dangerous as the Bills - is tough to stomach for Patriots fans. It’s not just about the emotional sting of seeing a fan favorite in another uniform. It’s about the very real possibility that he could be lining up across from New England’s offense in Week 15… or worse, in a playoff matchup.
Gilmore knows the Patriots’ system. He knows their tendencies.
And he’s the kind of player who doesn’t need much time to get up to speed. If Buffalo makes the call, he could be a plug-and-play difference-maker down the stretch.
What Comes Next
As the regular season winds down and the playoff picture sharpens, teams will start making those final moves to shore up their rosters. Gilmore remains one of the most intriguing free agents still available - a proven veteran with postseason experience and something left in the tank.
Whether it's Buffalo or another contender, it feels like only a matter of time before someone picks up the phone. And if it's the Bills, that Week 15 matchup against the Patriots suddenly becomes a whole lot more interesting.
For New England fans, it’s a situation worth watching closely. Because while the dynasty days may be behind them, the echoes of that era - and the players who defined it - still have the power to shape what happens next.