With the biggest need still on their roster, the Carolina Panthers could target free agent Stephon Gilmore before the 2025 regular season. According to Pro Football Focus, the most dire need for the Panthers is the cornerback position, despite them re-signing both Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson to new contracts. Last season, the team had one of the worst seasons in the league, but the secondary unit was a huge part of that. The Panthers are hoping that signing safety Tre’Von Moehrig could provide some relief alongside Nick Scott, but it may have to take more than that.
Gilmore is still available as a capable defender and could fit as a rotational slot corner. Originally selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina product became one of the most reliable secondary pieces in the league, helping revive the Dallas Cowboys unit that contains Trevon Diggs and former rookie DaRon Bland back to life. The reason why the Minnesota Vikings had an enormous season last year, Gilmore was a part of that, which kept the team intact and competitive. The former NFL interceptions co-leader could find a new home in the coming days, even though there were earlier reports that Dallas and Gilmore were in communication.
It was never a thing, as the Cowboys never got the chance to speak to Gilmore. This means the Cowboys are not looking to add another cornerback, but the Panthers need the depth behind Jackson at least. Meanwhile, the Chargers, Ravens might spark up a conversation with Gilmore before the season starts.
Panthers Could Target Future Hall of Fame Free Agent Stephon Gilmore – Chargers, Ravens Could Intervene
More Help for Donte Jackson
If the Los Angeles Chargers want to win football games this upcoming season, they need a powerful secondary that will help take them there. Despite drafting wide receiver Tre Harris, the offensive unit could still struggle and may have to lean on the defense to make a few plays from scrimmage. However, they lost Kristian Fulton to their rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, but they made up for it by signing Donte Jackson to a two-year deal. Cam Hart is the lone option on the other side of the ball, and it’s hard to imagine they walk into the 2025 campaign with him as the servicable starter.
With that, they could get a capable cornerback like Gilmore to save this secondary department. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win ball games in the trenches, but they need a strong secondary that will help make some game-changing plays. They should know Benjamin St-Juste can’t consistently do that, and Gilmore is the obvious upgrade in this situation.
Upgrade over Chidobe Awuzie
However, the Ravens always have a stacked roster of secondary men, no matter what, every season. Last season, the team got Tre’Davious White in a trade to upgrade the unit, but it didn’t do much to help save their campaign. They can’t expect that out of Chidobe Awuzie after signing him to a one-year deal, so it’s obvious that an aging Marlon Humphrey and 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins will be the lockdown starters. Meanwhile, they could easily fit Gilmore into this system to provide some veteran insurance, since historically, the Ravens never fail to bring out the nostalgia of a long-time NFL athlete, no matter what side of the ball.
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