Pros and Cons of Panthers Signing CB Stephon Gilmore

Does it make sense for Carolina to bring Gilmore home?

Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9). / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Panthers have a bit of a theme going this offseason on the defensive side of the ball and that’s to bring guys back home.

Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are both alums of South Carolina and are from the region. Clowney grew up just down the road in Rock Hill, SC while Wonnum is a quick three and a half hour drive from his hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Another gormer Gamecock and Rock Hill native, Stephon Gilmore, could enter the mix. It’s been reported that the Panthers have interest in bringing the 33-year-old back home…again.

Is this a move that benefits Carolina?

The Pros

- It takes care of a need. Anytime you can add a player the caliber of Stephon Gilmore, it’s only going to help your on-field performance, not hurt it. Even at the age of 33, he’s playing at a high level and if you can milk the last ounce of really good football out of him, it will make an already stingy defense that much better.

- Leadership. Gilmore isn’t the most vocal guy in the world, but he has the respect of everyone. Jaycee Horn benefitted from having him around the first time and being able to put those two in the same room again could do a lot for No. 8’s future, along with the others in that room. And if you remember, Horn didn't get to share the field with Gilly in 2021 due to his early season injury.

The Cons

- Money? There’s no telling what Gilmore will be asking for, but if you’re Dan Morgan you have to be careful with how much of a commitment (money and years) you’re willing to give to someone at the age of 33. My guess is the Panthers would like to keep it around a one-year, $6M-$7M deal. Anything more would be pushing it.

- To go along with point number one, there could be cheaper options potentially out there. You can still get a veteran who has the ability to come in and push for a starting spot while being someone the younger guys look to. Are they going to hold the same value in that department as Gilmore? Probably not, but it could save you a couple of bucks.

- Signing Gilmore could take opportunities away from younger players. There are some guys in that room like Dicaprio Bootle and D’Shawn Jamison who are hoping to become more than special teamers. Not saying they will start if Gilmore doesn’t end up a Panther, but it gives them more of a path to opportunity. Assuming the Panthers take a corner in the draft, it gives that player the same chance early in their career to establish a role.