The New England Patriots have released Stephon Gilmore, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Gilmore confirmed it on social media.
A stunner: Patriots are releasing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6, source tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/31H8KQF8hq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) October 6, 2021
Gilmore wasn’t able to come off the PUP list until Week 6, as the former pro bowl CB suffered a quad injury before the season. In addition, he missed all of OTAs (minicamp) in an attempt to try and get paid more.
The CB achieved defensive player of the year in 2019, and had quite a successful tenure with New England, putting two rings on his fingers.
There were also several reports that the Patriots tried to trade Gilmore. Schefter notes that the Pats were roughly just $54K under the cap, and needed some flexibility. By releasing Gilmore, the Pats freed up $5.8M.