Panthers acquire 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore from Patriots for sixth-round pick

The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, and South Carolina native, is currently recovering from a torn quad injury from last season that required surgery. After starting training camp on the "physically unable to perform" list, Gilmore and the Patriots couldn't reach common ground on a restructured contract. 

Per ESPN, New England originally planned to announce Gilmore's release on Wednesday before the trade came to fruition. The Patriots received a 2023 sixth-round draft pick in exchange.

Despite the two sides being unable to find common ground, Gilmore posted a heartfelt goodbye to Patriots fans on social media prior to the trade being announced. 

The 31-year-old signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Patriots in 2017 and is set to make roughly $5.8 million with Carolina this season.

Over four seasons spent with the Patriots, Gilmore recorded 11 interceptions for 200 yards with two touchdowns, two fumble recoveries and 185 combined tackles.