Granite State Times

The New England Patriots have traded cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers.

“Man, I can't wait to see Stephon Gilmore in this defense!” Panthers fan Adam W. tweeted Oct. 10 in response to the trade.

The Patriots traded Gilmore in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, according to the New England Patriots website.

Gilmore sustained a quad injury at the end of last season and had been on the "physically unable to perform" list this season.

Trading Gilmore freed up $5.8 million in cap space for the Patriots, which could help them sign Jamie Collins, who is negotiating to return to the team. Gilmore was reportedly unhappy with the five-year, $65 million deal he signed in 2017, according to the New England Patriots website.

Gilmore's legacy to the Patriots includes two interceptions in the playoffs, one against the Jaguars in 2017 and the second in Super Bowl 53. His best season was 2019 when he NFL's Defensive Player of the Year.

In a farewell Oct. 6 tweet to fans, Gilmore said he is leaving the team with mixed emotions. "We enjoyed so much success together, and you (Patriots fans) 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."

New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick called Gilmore a "class act" and wished him the best.

"I am grateful to Stephon Gilmore for his significant contributions to our team," the coach said in an Oct. 6 statement. "It was a privilege and pleasure to coach Steph. Following discussions over a long period of time, we mutually agreed to part ways today."