The New England Patriots have released four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore in a stunning move.
ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday reported the release, which was later confirmed by the two-time first-team All-Pro.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account, Gilmore wrote: "It is with mixed emotions that I announce my goodbye to this great fanbase.
"We enjoyed so much success together and you have been an incredible inspiration for my individual achievements.
"Thank you for supporting this Rock Hill kid and allowing him to achieve his NFL dreams.
"To Mr. Kraft, the coaches, and the organisation thank you for providing me with this platform and allowing me to be a part of this greatness.
"Most of all I want to thank my team-mates who lined up next to me every Sunday with one goal in mind.
"Those moments on and off the field will never be forgotten."
Gilmore was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list in Week 6, having been kept on the sidelines with a quad injury.
He is expected to recover in the coming weeks but a failure to come to terms on a restructured contract means Gilmore will not be taking the field for New England in 2021.
Having reportedly made unsuccessful attempts to find a trade partner, the Patriots elected to release a player due $7million in base salary in 2021, giving them salary cap flexibility and Gilmore the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl title elsewhere.
Gilmore is expected to receive significant interest on the open market, with both of last year's Super Bowl participants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, in need of help in the secondary.
Selected 10th overall the 2012 draft by the Buffalo Bills, Gilmore was signed by the Patriots in 2017 and helped them to two Super Bowl appearances. His interception of Jared Goff clinched New England's victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at the end of the 2018 campaign.
He led the NFL in interceptions in 2019 with six but played only 11 games in a 2020 season that ended for him with a torn quad in Week 15.