Stephon Gilmore will face the New England Patriots as a member of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The cornerback was traded while on the physically unable to perform list due to the torn quad that ended his 2020 season.

"I just didn't like how they handled my situation, my injury. A lot went on with that I didn't agree with," Gilmore said of the injury and the Patriots. "Now that I'm here, I'm able to do the things I have to do to get me back ready to where I need to be. I learned a lot there. I have a lot of friends there. A lot of great coaches. I just didn't like how they handled my situation with my injury."

Gilmore declined to specify what he thinks the Patriots could have done differently and admitted that his desire for a new contract was also an issue that helped lead to his departure from New England.