When news broke on Wednesday that the New England Patriots were planning on releasing All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the calls lined up for trades. As a result, Gilmore will be heading to the Carolina Panthers before even being granted his release from New England.
Source: The #Panthers traded for Stephon Gilmore
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2021
The #Panthers traded for Stephon Gilmore, sending a 2023 sixth-round pick to New England.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 6, 2021
It was rumored throughout Wednesday that the Green Bay Packers were the frontrunners to land Gilmore. With an injury to Jaire Alexander and Super Bowl aspirations for this year, Green Bay made sense as a destination. Ultimately though, it was the Panthers who swooped in and got Gilmore.
The Patriots and Gilmore couldn't agree to a contract restructure which led to a break in communication and the ultimate trading of the star cornerback.
Gilmore is still on the physically unable to perform list and will be eligible to be taken off of it in Week 6.
The move for the Panthers is a bold one but Carolina has had a great start to the season. They currently sit at 3-1 and Sam Darnold has rejuvenated the offense in his first season with Matt Rhule.
First-round pick and fellow cornerback Jaycee Horn was just put on injured reserve by the Panthers but is expected to return later this year. That duo, with Horn and Gilmore, could prove to be the shutdown tandem that Carolina needs to make a playoff push.
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