Bill Belichick: 'I don't expect' Stephon Gilmore to be at Patriots' mandatory minicamp
It doesn’t sound like a resolution between the Patriots and Stephon Gilmore will happen any time soon.
The Patriots' No. 1 cornerback wasn’t at the start of minicamp on Monday. According to multiple reports, Gilmore is currently holding out for more money. He’s in the final year of his contract, which pays him a base salary of $7 million.
On Tuesday, Bill Belichick was asked about Gilmore and if his absence was excused. The Patriots coach deflected but said he doesn’t expect the Pro Bowler to be present at minicamp, which runs through Wednesday. If his holdout does last this week, the Patriots can fine Gilmore $93,085 for the three missed days.
“I don’t expect him to be here,” Belichick said of Gilmore. “We’ll just focus on the guys that are here.”
Gilmore, 30, played in 11 games last year before his season ended due to a quad injury. The cornerback still earned Pro Bowl honors. In 2019, Gilmore was named the NFL's defensive player of the year.
Jonnu Smith not expected to practice due to hamstring injury
Tight end Jonnu Smith is expected to miss Tuesday's practice after suffering a hamstring injury on Monday. Smith pulled up after a drill and could be seen grabbing at the back of his left leg. The veteran met with Patriots trainer Jim Whalen and didn't finish Monday's session, which was his first as a Patriot after he skipped OTAs.
Smith was scheduled to talk with the media on Tuesday, but he's been removed from the media schedule. Belichick said the team will monitor Smith this morning.
"We'll see how it goes," Belichick said. "Like a lot of guys, we'll take a look at them before practice, see how they're doing. Probably six to 10 guys that fall in that category and take it day-by-day."
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Bill Belichick doesn't expect Stephon Gilmore at Patriots minicamp
