Panthers to ‘Leave the Door Open’ for Free Agent CB Stephon Gilmore

Carolina is considering bringing back the local veteran corner.

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) warms / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL Draft is on everyone’s minds right now, including everyone on 800 S Mint St. 

Over the next seven to ten days, Dan Morgan, Brandt TIlis, Dave Canales, and other key decision makers inside the Panthers’ building will discuss just about every scenario possible for how to improve this team that went a league-worst 2-14 a year ago.

Once the draft is complete, they’ll shift their focus to undrafted free agency and then back toward veterans who are still on the market looking for work. 

One name that has popped up more than once over the past couple of weeks is cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who spent one season with the Panthers in 2021. Newly signed pass rusher and fellow Rock Hill, SC native/South Carolina Gamecock alum, Jadeveon Clowney, expressed that Gilmore and the Panthers have been in touch about reuniting. 

Thursday afternoon, Panthers GM Dan Morgan confirmed the interest.

“Yeah, we’re going to leave the door open there. We’re still going to stay in communication and after the draft we’ll circle back and see where it goes from there.”

The Panthers do need help at corner, but could address that early in the draft if that is their desire. Adding a veteran to the room, preferably one who has starting experience, is also worth considering especially with the unknowns of newcomer Dane Jackson and the injury history of Jaycee Horn.

In 17 games with the Dallas Cowboys last season, Gilmore recorded 68 tackles (career high), 13 passes defended, and a pair of interceptions.