Stephon Gilmore Spurns Panthers Reunion to Join NFC Foe

Former Panthers star CB Stephon Gilmore has officially found his new home, signing a one-year deal up to $10 million with the Minnesota Vikings to reunite with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whom Gilmore played under in New England.

Reports indicate Gilmore chose the Vikings over returning to the Panthers. Considering Carolina's relatively young secondary, Gilmore would have been a fantastic addition this late in the preseason.

Instead, the Panthers will trot forward without the former Defensive Player of the Year. On the bright side, at least Carolina doesn't play Minnesota this season.

Panthers News: Stephon Gilmore Chooses Minnesota Vikings Over Carolina Reunion

Gilmore played only the 2021 season with the Panthers yet made an immediate, outsized impact in that lone year. He was named a Pro Bowler, compiling 16 tackles, two deflected passes, and two interceptions in only nine games.

During his career, Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, winning that Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 with New England.

Jaycee Horn figures to lead the Panthers' secondary with Dane Jackson (when healthy) and Troy Hill slotted to start alongside him. Carolina should take a step forward, as a whole in 2024 after making numerous additions on the offensive side of the ball.

Incoming acquisitions like Jadeveon Clowney and K'Laivon Chaisson will help lead the defense. Gilmore wasn't a necessity by any means, but he would've been a great signing at this point nonetheless.

The soon-to-be 34-year-old cornerback is an experienced veteran locker room voice. It's unfortunate that he elected to spurn Carolina, but $10 million may have been a price tag too big for Dan Morgan's pockets.

We wish Gilmore well, though fans were certainly hoping to see him in a Panthers jersey one more time.

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