UPDATE: The Patriots decided to trade Gilmore to the Panthers.
Breaking: The Panthers announced they have acquired CB Stephon Gilmore from the Patriots.
Carolina will be sending a 2023 sixth-round pick to New England. pic.twitter.com/FCO4CvCb0c
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 6, 2021
The New England Patriots have cut ties with cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
The Patriots traded the talented defensive player after the two sides couldn’t agree to a new deal. He’ll be off the PUP list after week six. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
It was originally reported that the Patriots were going to simply cut Gilmore.
A stunner: Patriots are releasing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6, source tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/31H8KQF8hq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
Gilmore addressed being shown the exit from New England on his Instagram early Wednesday morning and thanked the fans, his teammates and the organization for the great ride.
You can read his full statement below.
View this post on Instagram
To call this decision unexpected would be an understatement. It’s been known for awhile that Gilmore and the Patriots were far apart on a new deal, but I’m not sure many people knew they were far enough for him to hit the road.
Patriots and Stephon Gilmore could not agree to terms on a restructured contract and now the two sides are going their own ways.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
The good news for him is that he got traded instead of just cut. When healthy, he’s a hell of a defensive back.
He’s now headed to the Panthers with Sam Darnold.
The market for Stephon Gilmore, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, is expected to be robust. Multiple teams are expected to be interested, and the 31-year-old Gilmore should be recovered from his quad injury in the coming weeks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
He’s likely going to get more money and he has a new team. It just won’t be with the Patriots.