As much as the Carolina Panthers may want to sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore, it won't be easy.
The free agent, who has been in contact with the Panthers in recent weeks, said that the team he chooses to play for has to be a perfect situation.
"I’m still focused on playing, but it has to be the right opportunity," Gilmore told NFL insider Josina Anderson. "I feel like it’s the age thing with some of these teams. If I was 28, I would already have been signed by now; at the same time, I know the value I still bring. If you watch the tape, I feel like I played well the last two years, and literally almost played every snap last year. So I’m staying patient while watching my son who’s a wide receiver and cornerback lock people up on the field with his defensive back skills too."
Just got off the phone with free agent CB Stephon Gilmore discussing his pending decision:
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 9, 2024
"I’m still focused on playing, but it has to be the right opportunity. I feel like it’s the age thing with some of these teams. If I was 28, I would already have been signed by now; at… pic.twitter.com/7tzyLxpkAr
After the draft, it was widely believed the Panthers still had Gilmore in its sights. That is still the case, but it won't be easy to land the cornerback, though the Panthers desperately need his services.
It was also reported that the Panthers have had "no movement" with Gilmore regarding a contract, justifying the statement given to Anderson on Thursday.
Gilmore played in 99.1 percent of the defensive snaps for the Dallas Cowboys this past season. He racked up 68 combined tackles, two interceptions and 13 passes defended. Not bad for a 33-year-old.
Signing Gilmore won't be easy. However, if Dan Morgan wants to ensure the secondary has enough depth, he has to make it happen.
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