Patriots trade star cornerback Stephon Gilmore to Carolina Panthers

• New England receive sixth-round pick in return
• 31-year-old was 2019 defensive player of the year

The New England Patriots have traded one of the best defensive players in the NFL, Stephon Gilmore, to the Carolina Panthers in return for a sixth-round draft pick.

ESPN initially reported the news before the 31-year-old confirmed he was leaving the Patriots in a tweet on Wednesday morning. We enjoyed so much success together and you have been an incredible inspiration for my individual achievements," Gilmore wrote. ... To [team owner] Mr Kraft, the coaches, and the organization thank you for providing me with this platform and allowing me to be part of greatness. Most of all I want to thank my teammates who lined up next to me every Sunday with one goal in mind."