As first reported on Wednesday morning by NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have announced the release of veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
*UPDATE TO THIS STORY- First reported as a release, the New England Patriots have now said that Gilmore is being traded to the Carolina Panthers for a sixth round pick in 2023 before the transaction deadline which is 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.
The four time pro-bowler who suffered a quadriceps injury in Week 15 2020 forcing him to miss the remainder of the year, underwent off season surgery and was on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) to begin the 2021 season. He was scheduled to come off the PUP after Week 6 which is a scheduled New England home game against Dallas. Gilmore’s contract called for just over $7 million in base salary for 2021, after the Patriots moved up $4.5 million last year before training camp to appease the cornerback for this season. That cash amount ranks 24th in the league among corners.
It seems this is more of not being able to work out a contract in Foxborough than it does about the injury. Gilmore is expected to have several suitors for his services provided he is healthy. He is a nine year veteran who spent the first five years of his career with Buffalo, before the last four seasons with New England. His best season was in 2019 with the Patriots when he won Defensive Player of the Year. He had 11 interceptions in 56 career games in Foxborough.
