NFL Rumors: Stephon Gilmore Eyed by Panthers in 2024 Free Agency After Cowboys Stint

Stephon Gilmore could be heading back to the Carolina Panthers.

Joe Person of The Athletic reported Tuesday the NFC South team reached out to the veteran free-agent cornerback about a potential contract. Gilmore, who played for the Dallas Cowboys last season, suited up for the Panthers in 2021.

The 33-year-old ended up playing a more important role for the Cowboys than perhaps once expected seeing how cornerback Trevon Diggs tore his ACL and was limited to just two games.

Gilmore appeared in all 17 contests for Dallas and finished with 68 tackles, 13 passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble. It was a solid performance for someone who has bounced around so much of late by playing for four different teams in the last four seasons.

There was a time when Gilmore was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league with a resume that includes a Super Bowl title, five Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro nods and the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year when he led the NFL with 20 interceptions.

That 2019 season came during a four-year stretch with the New England Patriots before Carolina traded for him ahead of the 2021 campaign. While he played just eight games for the Panthers, he was still named to the Pro Bowl with 16 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended.

From there, he played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 and the Cowboys in 2023.

Gilmore isn't the same player who consistently locked down the opponent's top receiver and forced turnovers when he was arguably the league's best defensive player in 2019, but he could still provide veteran leadership and experience to a Panthers team looking to bounce back from a 2-15 effort.

Carolina was an ugly 29th in the league in points allowed per game (24.5) and will need to make significant defensive strides if it is going to compete in the NFC South. Gilmore could help it make those strides.