The Buffalo Bills announced they have exercise the fifth-year option on cornerback Stephon Gilmore’s contract, worth $11 million.
Gilmore, 24, has started 39 of 41 career games since being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has six career interceptions and 32 passes defensed.
The sides can continue to work on a potential long-term deal.
Gilmore is expected to start opposite Leodis McKelvin next season, and will play a key role in head coach Rex Ryan’s defense, which relies heavily on cornerbacks to handle man coverage responsibilities.
Teams have until March 3 to exercise the fifth-year options on first round picks from the 2012 draft.