"Over the last few years, the Patriots have lost every member of the dynasty team either by cutting them outright or letting them leave in free agency, becoming the official sign that the best days are in the rearview mirror. That has led fans to hope some of them will eventually return after spending time with other teams, including a beloved cornerback who remains unsigned this season."
"That is the latest feeling surrounding former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, who Bill Belichick traded to the Panthers in 2021 after disputes over his contract, and the cornerback has since impressed with four other teams. However, he wasn't signed before the 2025 season, and, going into Week 15, remains unsigned and is hoping a team will make the call sooner rather than later."
"In the days leading to the slate of Week 14 games, Gilmore responded to a fan on Twitter/X about returning to where his career started: Buffalo. Before he signed with the Patriots, the cornerback spent the first four years of his career with the Bills, making a name for himself that allowed him to earn a massive contract from New England."
Patriots roster turnover removed every member of the dynasty-era team through cuts and free agency, signaling the franchise's decline. Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Panthers in 2021 after contract disputes and later impressed with four additional teams. Gilmore was not signed before the 2025 season and remained unsigned entering Week 15 despite strong performance for the Vikings in 2024. Gilmore responded to a fan on Twitter/X hinting at a possible return to the Buffalo Bills, where he began his career. A return to the AFC East, particularly Buffalo, would be emotionally difficult for Patriots fans given his success in New England.
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