Panthers pick up CB in trade with Patriots

The Carolina Panthers have acquired veteran cornerback and 2019 NFL defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore from the New England Patriots for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick.

The move comes after Gilmore and the Patriots failed to come to terms on a new contract.

Carolina has been looking to upgrade its cornerback position after losing first-round pick Jaycee Horn to a broken foot, which could keep him out for the rest of the season. Last week Carolina traded for cornerback C.J. Henderson, the No. 9 pick in last year’s NFL draft, from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bears

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy had a plan to develop Justin Fields and resisted making the rookie his team’s starting quarterback from the start of offseason practices. Nagy has changed his mind and on Wednesday made Fields the team’s starting quarterback. On Monday, Nagy had said Fields was still the backup and playing only because of Andy Dalton’s knee injury. But on Tuesday he told both quarterbacks of the change and announced it Wednesday.

Patriots

Free agent linebacker Jamie Collins agreed to a new deal with New England on Wednesday, according to his agent, David Canter. Collins signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Lions in 2020, but was released on Sept. 28. This will be Collins’ third stint with New England.

Elsewhere

NFL and network executives expected ratings to increase this season, but the rate through the first four weeks has taken many by surprise. Games are averaging 17.3 million viewers on television and digital, a whopping 17% increase over last season and 3% compared to two years ago.