FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — The New England Patriots traded veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers in return for a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reports.
According to Schefter, the Patriots and Gilmore could not agree to terms on a restructured contract and the two sides went their separate ways.
The former Defensive Player of the Year released his own statement on Twitter after the news of his initial release broke, saying “It is with mixed emotions that I announce my goodbye to this great fan base.”
“We enjoyed so much success together and you have been an incredible inspiration for my individual achievements,” he wrote. “Thank you for supporting this Rock Hill kid and allowing him to achieve his NFL dreams.”
The 31-year-old went on to thank Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the coaches, and the organization.
“Most of all I want to thank my teammates who lined up next to me every Sunday with one goal in mind,” he said. “Those moments on and off the field will never be forgotten.”
Head Coach Bill Belichick posted a statement on Twitter saying how thankful he was for Gilmore’s significant contributions to the team.
“It was a privilege and pleasure to coach Steph, I appreciate him for the true professional and class act that he is and wish him all the best in the future.”
Gilmore, a four-time Pro Bowl player, began the season on the physically unable to perform list as he worked his way back from a quad injury late last season that required offseason surgery. He would have been eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6.
