Stephon Gilmore To Properly Rehab With Carolina Panthers
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore says he’s happy to be back in his native Carolina and that his time with the Patriots met a sour end.
Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers on October 6 in return for a sixth-round draft pick. A number of factors contributed to his departure from New England, namely his injury situation.
Stephon Gilmore tore his quadriceps in December 2020 and required surgery. According to him, he wasn’t ready to start training camp this summer.
“I just didn’t like how they handled my situation, my injury. A lot went on with that I didn’t agree with,” Gilmore said.
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“Now that I’m here, I’m able to do the things I have to do to get me back ready to where I need to be. I learned a lot there. I have a lot of friends there. A lot of great coaches. I just didn’t like how they handled my situation with my injury.
“It was better for both of us to be in this position and I’m happy I’m back home now,” he answered. “Things just didn’t work out. That’s life. You have to move on, and handle your situation the best way you can. … This is in the past. We have a big game this week coming up. I’m just looking forward to that opportunity.”
Gilmore was reportedly also unhappy with his scheduled $7 million salary for this year. Although he was evasive when asked if that was why his relationships in New England broke down.
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“That’s a reason also, too,” he said. “But a lot goes on into it. It’s not just one specific thing. At the end of the day, it’s a business. They treat it like a business, and we made the best decision for each other. … We had a conversation and it was better for both of us to go in opposite directions, whether it was the contract or whatever.”
“I was OK with it,” Gilmore said. “It’s a business. You can’t really control things when you’re playing in the National Football League. You just have to go with it, and I did. God put me in this position, and I’m happy.”
