Report: Panthers Interested In Reunion With Cowboys Free Agent Stephon Gilmore

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore could be on his way back to his hometown team in free agency.

Dec 19, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9) jogs on / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore remains unsigned through two weeks of free agency, but a possible suitor has now emerged.

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Carolina Panthers have reached out to Gilmore to discuss a possible reunion.

Dec 19, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9) jogs on / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Gilmore, who went to college at South Carolina and grew up in the state, previously appeared in eight games for the Panthers in 2021 following a mid-season trade from the New England Patriots. Although his time in Carolina was brief, Gilmore still played well enough to earn the fifth Pro Bowl selection of his career.

Gilmore, 33, may not be the same player he was when he won Defensive Player of the Year with the Patriots in 2019, but he's still a very solid option in the secondary. Last season, his first and possibly only season in Dallas, the veteran corner started all 17 games while recording 68 total tackles, 13 passes defended and two interceptions.

The No. 10 overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, Gilmore has bounced around the league in recent years. He spent five seasons with the Buffalo Bills to start his career followed by four with the Patriots, but has spent just one year each with the Panthers, Indianapolis Colts and the Cowboys.

For a Carolina team that is trying to rebound from a dreeadful 2-15 season, Gilmore's veteran leadership could prove invaluable if he does in fact sign there.