Stephon Gilmore blindsided by Patriots dealing him to Carolina

Stephon Gilmore was blind-sided.

During a conference call with the media Wednesday, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year said he didn’t have any sense the Patriots were going to trade him.

He claimed he had no idea when Bill Belichick called last month, it was to inform him he had been shipped to the Carolina Panthers for a 2023 sixth round draft choice.

“I didn’t (have a sense),” said Gilmore. “It happened last minute. He called me and told me. I was okay with it.”

The 31-year-old corner, who won a Super Bowl during his time with the Patriots after signing a lucrative 5-year, $65 million free agent contract in 2017, said there were issues over his contract, and how the team handled his quad injury, but didn’t go into great detail about either.

“It’s a business, so you really can’t control things when you’re playing in the National Football League. You just have to go with it, and I did,” he said. “God put me in the position, and I’m happy here. I’m just trying to take it day by day and focus what I have to focus on.”

Ultimately, Gilmore said it was best for both sides that the trade happened and the two sides parted.

“It was better for both of us to be in this position,” he said. “I’m happy I’m back home now. Things just didn’t work out. That’s life. You have to move on and adjust and handle your situation the best way you can.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3CNd8Qq