Stephon Gilmore’s final months with the New England Patriots were cryptic and unusual.
The 31-year-old was entering the final year of his five-year contract and he reportedly wasn’t going to play for the $7 million he was due. He missed mandatory minicamp and training camp, which appeared to come down to his quad injury that sidelined him during the 2020 season.
From the outside, it was unclear if Gilmore hitting the injured reserve list and being out until Week 7 was due to his contract or injury status. When asked if he was healthy enough for training camp, the Carolina Panthers cornerback opened up about his frustrations with the Patriots.
“The only thing [was] I just didn’t like how they handled my situation with my injury,” Gilmore said. “A lot went on with that that I didn’t agree with and now that I am here, I am able to do the things I need to do to get me back and be ready to where I need to be.
“I learned a lot there and got a lot of friends there, a lot of great coaches. I just didn’t like how they handled my situation with my injury.”
Gilmore wasn’t going to unveil any more information outside of that.
“I don’t want to get into specifics, I just didn’t agree with it,” Gilmore said.
The Patriots and Panthers are both 4-4 and they meet up in Charlotte for a much-anticipated Week 9 matchup. Gilmore is healthy and active, which led to a game-sealing interception in his debut with Carolina last week.
After four great years of success and growth, it’s difficult to believe there will be much bad blood between Gilmore and the Patriots.
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