The New England Patriots are trading cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Wednesday. In return, New England will receive a 2023 sixth-round pick, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Bill Belichick had intended to release Gilmore, according to multiple reports. But because the Patriots didn’t have to make that move official until 4 p.m., New England instead put together a trade for the star.
Gilmore spent five seasons with the Patriots and won Super Bowl LIII with the team. He has been named to four Pro Bowls and was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. He was among the top cornerbacks in the NFL in 2020, but suffered a season-ending quad injury. Between the injury and a contract dispute, Gilmore did not return to the field for the Patriots in 2021. The contract tension led to a Patriots-Gilmore breakup. Belichick said Wednesday the two parties decided to “mutually part ways.”
The Panthers acquired CB Stephon Gilmore in a trade with the Patriots.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) October 6, 2021
The #Panthers traded for Stephon Gilmore, sending a 2023 sixth-round pick to New England.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 6, 2021
Gilmore leaves behind a cornerback group which includes J.C. Jackson, Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams and Justin Bethel. Jackson has been solid in replacing Gilmore as the team’s top cornerback. He is an unrestricted free agent in 2022. While Gilmore’s contract tension with the team has reached a resolution, Jackson’s negotiations may be just beginning.
