The New England Patriots have been very active so far in the free agency window.

The team spent a significant amount of money in the first week of free agency-$212.4 million, to be exact, according to CBS Sports. But most importantly, that money was spent smartly.

New England brought in some notable players, including linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, defensive tackle Milton Williams, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, and wide receiver Mack Hollins.

However, the Patriots signed another key player who caught the interest of one of the franchise’s former players.

After discovering that the Patriots signed cornerback Carlton Davis III, Stephon Gilmore shared his thoughts briefly but excitedly.

“This tough,” Gilmore wrote on X.
This tough https://t.co/mgxtukjynA

— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) March 14, 2025
Patriots fans will most certainly relate to Gilmore’s words.

Davis, who won a Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will pair up with Christian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has two years of pro experience under his belt after being drafted by New England in 2023. He’s already quickly established himself as one of the league’s best cornerbacks.

The Davis-Gonzalez duo will threaten any opposing quarterback, and new head coach Mike Vrabel will be happy to have his starting secondary set months before the regular season begins.

Davis and Gonzalez should feel complimented by Gilmore’s words.

Gilmore, who was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, played for New England from 2017-2021. He won Super Bowl LIII with the franchise after the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

Gilmore followed that season with an excellent 2019 year, where he logged six interceptions.

After New England, Gilmore had stops in Carolina, Indianapolis, Dallas, and, most recently, Minnesota.

The Vikings did not offer Gilmore an extension after the 2024 season, making him a free agent.