Panthers acquire Gilmore before release from Patriots

The Carolina Panthers acquired star cornerback Stephon Gilmore from the New England Patriots before his release was finalized, the team announced.

New England obtained a 2023 sixth-round pick in return.

The Patriots were set to cut Gilmore after the two sides failed to renegotiate his contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gilmore is earning $7 million this season, which marks the completion of his five-year, $65-million pact.

Gilmore, a four-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, opened the season on the physically unable to perform list while rehabbing from quad surgery. He'll be eligible for activation after Week 6.

Gilmore made one interception and forced one fumble in 11 appearances last season, battling multiple injuries in the process. In 2019, he intercepted an NFL-best six passes and added 20 pass breakups en route to Defensive Player of the Year honors. He captured one title in New England, sealing Super Bowl LIII with an interception of Jared Goff in the fourth quarter.

The 31-year-old grew up in South Carolina and stayed in his home state for college, making his move to the Panthers somewhat of a homecoming.

Carolina has now made two significant trades for cornerbacks since the beginning of the season, as the team first acquired former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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