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Patriots planning to release 2019 DPOY Stephon Gilmore

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New England Patriots v Miami Dolphins Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

In a shocking move, the New England Patriots have decided to part ways with All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. The Pats are always full of surprises, but few could have predicted this. Per Adam Schefter:

Gilmore has reportedly been unhappy with his contract, and apparently he and the organization have been unable to find much middle ground, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. The tenth overall selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, the team picked up his fifth year option but ultimately declined to sign him long term at the end of his rookie contract. In turn, he signed with the infamous division rivals and went on to win a ring in Super Bowl LIII. After intercepting 10 passes and defending 49 others over the course of his first three seasons in Foxborough — including his stellar 2019 that saw him pick six passes and score two touchdowns en route to his third Pro Bowl/second All-Pro/first DPOY — things cooled off in 2020. The talented defensive back only defended three passes and intercepted one while recording his worst PFF grades since his second season as a pro. Now 32 years old, Gilmore has been on the PUP list to start the season while recovering from a Quadriceps injury, though he is eligible to return for Week 6.

According to Mike Giardi of the NFL Network, this move may precipitate a trade prior to 4:00 PM ET.

Gilmore is certain to be a hot name for cornerback needy teams (whoever that might be...), however his salary demands could be prohibitive.

Field Gulls will work to keep readers updated as this story continues to develop.