Panthers acquire Gilmore

Following Wednesday morning reports that the Patriots were releasing CB Stephon Gilmore, the Panthers swooped in to get him for a 2023 third-round pick. The veteran corner must remain on the PUP list through 6 weeks for a quad injury. Beyond that, though, trading for his big contract (about $5.8 million left this year) says that Carolina plans to start Gilmore. That begs the question of whether C.J. Henderson -- acquired from Jacksonville in another recent trade -- will have room to enter the lineup. The Panthers lost CB Jaycee Horn to a foot injury, but Donte Jackson has been holding down the other side. None is likely to be much of an IDP factor, though, so that question doesn't matter too much for fantasy football purposes. Overall, we'd have to say Carolina has enhanced a unit that has started 2021 well.

The Colts are signing CB Stephon Gilmore to a 2-year deal, according to multiple reports. The move lands Indy's defense the top remaining corner on the market and a guy capable of performing as 1 of the top cover men in the league. Gilmore hasn't been much of an IDP factor throughout his career, though, and shouldn't be counted on for worthwhile fantasy numbers in his new spot.

The Patriots have placed CB Stephon Gilmore on the PUP list to open the regular season, as he continues to work back from quad surgery at the end of 2020. The designation means Gilmore will miss at least the 1st 6 games. That leaves room for Jalen Mills to open the year as a full-time player. A CB-safety hybrid at this point, Mills carries some late intrigue in IDP drafts.