Bill Belichick gives statement on Stephon Gilmore, with one notable detail
The New England Patriots are expected to release cornerback Stephon Gilmore on Wednesday. Head coach Bill Belichick has characterized the move as one that both sides agreed was best.
In a statement on Gilmore Wednesday morning, Belichick said, in conclusion: “Following discussions over a long period of time, we mutually agreed to part ways today.” Gilmore had been sitting on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which forced him to sit a minimum of six weeks. Releasing him creates about $5.8 million in cap space for the Patriots, per multiple reports.
“I am grateful to Stephon Gilmore for his significant contributions to our team,” Belichick’s statement reads. “It was a privilege and a pleasure to coach Steph, I appreciate him for the true professional and class act that he is and wish him all the best in the future.”
Gilmore won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and was also a First Team All-Pro in 2018 and 2019. He is best known for his fourth-down pass breakup to seal a victory for the Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game against the Jaguars, and a pick late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIII against the Rams.
MORE: Details emerge about Stephon Gilmore’s departure from the Patriots
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