Panthers' Chances at Reunion With Former DPOY Nosedive

The Carolina Panthers have been busy this offseason, making trades on both sides of the ball, drafting and signing players to help out second-year quarterback Bryce Young, and trying to fill the holes on defense left at all three levels.

Carolina’s defense was good against the pass in 2023 (171.5 yards per game) and they will try to replicate that this coming season. However, they don’t have Donte Jackson, who they traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

But Carolina has Jaycee Horn, Troy Hill, and Dane Jackson projected as the starting CBs next season. However, Joe Person of The Athletic reported in March that the Panthers contacted free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore about a possible reunion.

it seemed like a great idea at that moment as Gilmore had an excellent 2023 season and played with the organization in 2021. However, the dream of Gilmore returning to Carolina is quickly fading.

Panthers Rumors: Carolina Has ‘No Movement’ on Potential Reunion with Stephon Gilmore

Joe Person reported on Monday that there has been “no movement” on the Panthers bringing back Gilmore despite the media interest. Person adds that maybe something could materialize closer to training camp. 

However, he also mentions that the Panthers “might look for a younger, cost-effective option to supplement their cornerbacks” as the team only has $9.1 million in cap space.

As previously mentioned, Gilmore would’ve been a nice addition to the Panthers’ secondary and gave them a competent option opposite of Horn. Last season with Dallas, Gilmore showed fans that he didn’t lose a step at his age, posting 68 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

With the Cowboys not making a huge effort to re-sign Gilmore this offseason, one wonders when he’ll get a new deal. Gilmore showed he could still play at a high-level last season. But if he’s expecting to receive a huge deal at 33 years old, he might be waiting for a long time to find his next opportunity.

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