Stephon Gilmore arrived in the NFL as a highly-rated prospect as part of the 2012 NFL Draft. The former USC football starlet was drafted by AFC East franchise, the Buffalo Bills, in the 1st round (10th overall). Gilmore impressed in his initial years with the Bills.

But his stardom hit new heights after signing for divisional rivals, New England Patriots, in 2017. He signed a five-year, $65 million contract that included $31 million guaranteed along with a signing bonus of $18 million.

The experienced cornerback helped the Patriots to the Super Bowl LII trophy. He was also voted NFL DPOTY in 2019. But Gilmore’s run with New England has come to an abrupt end as we approach Week 5 of the 2021 NFl season.

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Stephon Gilmore signs with the Carolina Panthers

As reports confirm, New England Patriots agreed to a trade deal that would see Stephon Gilmore join the Carolina Panthers in exchange for or a 2023 sixth-round draft pick. His recent injury struggles and the Patriots’ tight salary cap meant that Gilmore had to make way in order to accommodate future signings. Following his exit, coach Belichick and his team were able to create $5.8 million in salary cap space.

Gilmore started the 2021 season on the injured list. He underwent surgery earlier this year on a torn quad that he suffered in Week 15 of the 2020 season. Stephon is from Rock Hill, Southern Carolina.

So it will be sort of ‘a homecoming moment’ for him when he actually makes his Panthers debut. Keep in mind, he was also attracting attention from the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

It will be interesting to see if Gilmore can help the Panthers make the playoffs in 2021, especially with Sam Darnold’s epic run of form. The sky is the limit for Matt Rhule and Co!

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