Clowney Spills the Beans: Stephon Gilmore is Interested in a Return to Carolina

A reunion in Carolina for a pair of former college teammates?

Dec 19, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9) enters / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Stephon Gilmore made his way back home to the Carolina's in 2021 when former GM Scott Fitterer sent a sixth round pick to New England in exchange for the lockdown veteran corner.

The Rock Hill, SC native spent just eight games in a Panthers uniform before moving on to Indianapolis and then Dallas this past season. However, he enjoyed every bit of his short stint in Charlotte as he was able to be in a familiar setting with family and friends near by -- something his former college teammate at South Carolina, Jadeveon Clowney, will now get to experience after signing a two-year deal with the Panthers last week.

There had been rumors flying around that the Panthers are interested in pursuing Gilmore, who is currently a free agent. During an introductory press conference on Thursday, Clowney let reporters in on the small conversation he had with Gilmore, discussing the possibility of joining forces once again.

"Before I signed I did talk to Stephon and he was like, 'I'm trying to get them to sign me back too.' And I was like I'm going to sign this contract, now you telling me you're going to come... But we'll see. It will be a lot of influence to help him get here and get Stephon to come with me. It will be like the old days back in (South) Carolina. I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully he pull up and come play here and we'll have some fun this year."

If the season were to start today, Carolina's starting corners would be Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson, whom they signed in free agency. Beyond those two, the only truly reliable option on the roster is Troy Hill who played a lot of nickel in 2023. Whether it be Gilmore or someone else, you can expect Carolina to add to the position. If Gilmore comes at a reasonable price, he'd be a great addition to a revamped secondary.