A Week 5 shocker.
The Patriots are releasing four-time Pro-Bowler Stephon Gilmore, according to multiple reports.
Both parties could not agree to terms on a restructured contract. Gilmore had a $7 million base salary this season — the final season of his expiring contract — and the Patriots needed were nearly $54,000 under the cap, ESPN.com reported.
The 31-year-old cornerback was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6, when the Patriots play the Cowboys at home. Gilmore has been sidelined with a quadriceps injury.
Gilmore took to Instagram after the news broke, to “announce my goodbye” to the “great fan base” in New England.
“To Mr. Kraft, the coaches and the organization, thank you for providing me with this platform and allowing me to be part of greatness,” Gilmore wrote in part.
“Most of all I want to thank my teammate who lined up next to me every Sunday with one goal in mind. Those moments on and off the field will never be forgotten.”
Buccaneers receiver Antonio Brown commented, “insane.”
Gilmore, who will turn 32 this month, was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
It’s unclear where he will end up, but will be a prized target for any contending team.
