Buffalo Bills’ star cornerback Stephon Gilmore taking a calculated risk

Not getting the new contract he desired, Buffalo Bills’ star cornerback Stephon Gilmore is taking an unusual route entering training camp. Speaking to one of ESPN’s insider’s, Gilmore revealed that he would not be holding-out through the team’s training camp and preseason.

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“I’m planning to go out to training camp. I know what I am. A new contract will happen eventually.”

Though this route from a player standpoint is rarely taken — at least without some type of struggle — this could be one of the smartest things Stephon Gilmore could have done. A calculated risk of sorts that will almost certainly end in a boom-or-bust scenario for Gilmore at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

Putting his play and form out there for all to see, Gilmore is taking a big risk with his current choice. Not holding out — at least for training camp — Gilmore has made the statement that he is good enough to get paid. With the Bills currently not budging, Gilmore will be putting his massive levels of talent on display for all to see.

Following Josh Norman’s 5-year, $75 million deal this past offseason, Gilmore is expected to demand top dollar next offseason. Whether or not the Buffalo Bills are able to or willing to pay that much for their star cornerback, Gilmore will likely land a contract within that range should he stay healthy this season.

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However, should Gilmore falter or suffer a serious injury, his stock will decrease dramatically. Without a new deal in hand, Gilmore could be at the mercy of the market next season and will certainly suffer a loss in value.

Willing to take that risk, the biggest question remaining is whether or not the Buffalo Bills will regret not trying to sign Gilmore to a contract extension earlier this offseason. The relationship between the two sides — while business — cannot be too warm right now considering all that has gone on.

On one side, I love the risk Stephon Gilmore is taking. If he continues to play well this season, he will undoubtedly have his pick of team in free agency next spring. However, if deficiencies or injuries take hold, the Buffalo Bills office could be hailed as genius when they are able to re-sign Gilmore at a cut rate price.

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