CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A trade for New England Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore and the return of Pro Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey helped the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday get over their first loss of the season.
Both happened almost simultaneously as players made their way to the practice field.
The Gilmore trade in particular brightened the mood.
"That's pretty dope, man,'' cornerback Donte Jackson said.
Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer sent a 2023 sixth-round pick to New England for Gilmore, who had been set to be released later in the day.