Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said before the draft that the team and free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore were in contact, and Could close a deal after the draft. But it looks like no deal will come anytime soon.
Gilmore and the Panthers didn’t make any movement toward a contract agreement, and nothing is happening at this time, according to TheAthletic.com.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible that Gilmore could return to the Panthers, but it seems like something that will happen closer to the start of training camp in late July, if it happens at all.
Gilmore played for the Panthers once before, for one year in 2021, and was born and raised in South Carolina and played college football for the Gamecocks, so there is a strong Carolina connection. But at 33 years old and coming off a torn labrum in his shoulder at the end of last season, Gilmore might not be a particularly attractive signing for the Panthers or any other team right now.
Last year, Gilmore started all 17 games for the Cowboys and started every NFL game, including five seasons with the Bills, four with the Patriots and one each with the Panthers, Colts and Cowboys. He’s likely nearing the end of his NFL career, but would still have something to contribute if he and a team can come to an agreement. So far, that hasn’t happened.
