The Carolina Panthers added Stephon Gilmore by way of trade with the New England Patriots on Wednesday. The Patriots receive a 6th round pick in return for the veteran player. This trade happened as a result of a contractual dispute that was reported between Gilmore and the Patriots’ front office.
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.
Adam Schefter on Twitter
The Panthers have been very active in improving their secondary. When Gilmore is eligible to return from the PUP list in week 6 the Panthers’ cornerback room will consist of Donte Jackson, Keith Taylor, AJ Bouye, Stantley Thomas-Oliver, CJ Henderson, and Rashaan Melvin. This is in addition to rookie Jaycee Horn who is currently on the injured reserve list.
The Panthers front office has been busy as CJ Henderson was added to this unit just last week. Since General Manager Scott Fitterer took over they have made 8 trades.
Traded away
Quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater
Linebacker, Denzel Perryman
Offensive Tackler Greg Little
Traded for
Quarterback, Sam Darnold
Defensive End, Darryl Green
Kicker, Ryan Santoso
Cornerback, CJ Henderson
Cornerback, Stephon Gilmore
The Panthers will pay $5.8 million to Gilmore during the 2021 season. On the other side the Patriots have gained an additional $5.8 million in cap space but the $54,000 under the salary cap.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick released a statement after Gilmore was traded away.
I am grateful to Stephon Gilmore for his significant contributions to our team. It was a privilege 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. Following discussions over a long period of time, we mutually agreed to part ways today.
Bill Belichick via @Patriots Twitter
The Panthers’ first game with Gilmore will be Sunday, October 17th against the Minnesota Vikings.
