The New England Patriots pulled a surprise on Wednesday by trading their star cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported via Twitter.

“A stunner: Patriots are releasing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6, source tells ESPN,” Schefter wrote.

Five hours later, he tweeted an update: “Patriots traded Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers for a 2023 sixth-round pick.”

Gilmore tweeted his farewell message to the Patriots family.

“Pats Nation,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my goodbye to this great fan base. 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.”

He continued by thanking the Patriots’ management, staff members, and his teammates.

“To [team owner] Mr. Kraft, the coaches, and the organization thank you for providing me with this platform and allowing me to be part of greatness. Most of all I want to thank my teammates who lined up next to me every Sunday with one goal in mind.”

Gilmore enjoyed a successful four seasons with the Patriots since they obtained him from the Buffalo Bills in 2017. The 31-year-old won a Super Bowl with the team and earned the NFL Defensive of the Year award in 2019. He was also selected twice as a first-team All-Pro and named to the Pro Bowl four times.