Panthers tagged as 'best fit' for former Defensive Player of the Year

The wait is on. 

Former Carolina Panthers defensive back Stephon Gilmore still hasn't picked a team to play for, despite Carolina's apparent interest. 

On Monday, Jaycee Horn said he would love to have Gilmore join the team. And recently, ESPN labeled Carolina as the best fit for the 33-year-old cornerback. 

"Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has three corners to start in his nickel sets with Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson on the boundary and Troy Hill in the slot. But there's a lack of proven depth here, and the availability concerns with Horn are real. He played in six games last season and 22 over his first three pro seasons," Matt Bowen, a staff writer at ESPN, writes.

"With Gilmore, the Panthers would be adding an established veteran who can play outside or at the nickel spot. And even though he will turn 34 years old this season, Gilmore still has the physical coverage traits and savvy technique to find the ball. Last season in Dallas, Gilmore had two interceptions and 10 pass breakups."

Though Carolina may be a perfect fit, there is no guarantee Gilmore opts for a return to Charlotte. 

The soon-to-be 34-year-old went on record stating he was waiting for the right opportunity. 

“I’m still focused on playing, but it has to be the right opportunity,” Gilmore said to 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.”

The Athletic also reported in early May there has been "no movement" between the Panthers and Gilmore to reach a deal. Everything appears gridlocked. 

So, despite Gilmore appearing to be a perfect fit, if he is to sign with Carolina, it doesn't appear that it will be anytime soon.