Stephon Gilmore received surprising news about his standing with the New England Patriots as he was released ahead of coming off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6.

It was described as a “stunner” in NFL circles, including by ESPN insider Adam Schefter, and the market for Gilmore to land with a new team is expected to be robust. That includes teams like like Kansas City, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, NFL.com reported.

Gilmore, the former South Carolina star defensive back, has been on the PUP list because of a prolonged quad injury that also required surgery.

Gilmore put out a statement on social media to thank the fan base.

“We enjoyed so much success together and you have been an incredible inspiration for my individual achievements,” he wrote.