Panthers Enter Chat for Unsigned Viking
Unsigned Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore still lives on the open market in NFL-speak, and there’s a slight chance that the Carolina Panthers could become his next employer.
A new theory links an unsigned Vikings defender to the Carolina Panthers, which would be a reunion as well.
Gilmore contemplated retirement this offseason, but with the regular season about 2.5 months away, he’ll likely sign somewhere — otherwise, he would’ve retired.
And according to one Panthers-themed website, Gilmore would represent a logical defensive secondary solution.
What’s the Newest Rumor?
Panthers Wire Suggests Unsigned Viking Stephon Gilmore for Carolina
Anthony Rizzuti of PanthersWire.com named-dropped six cornerbacks on Wednesday who could aid Carolina’s defense in 2025, and along with former Viking Shaquill Griffin, Gilmore received a mention.
“Another old friend may be able to fill that outside corner role. And even at 34, Gilmore has shown that he still has the chops to do so,” Rizzuti opined.
“The former Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler locked it down on that dominant Vikings defense in 2024. So after some chatter last offseason about a second return home, perhaps Carolina can convince the Rock Hill, S.C. native to come back and help lead a feel-good turnaround this time.”
On Griffin, he wrote, “Like Rasul Douglas, Griffin also spent a little time with the Panthers. The former Pro Bowler played three games for Carolina in 2023, including one start. His most recent venture came in Minnesota, where he tallied two interceptions and three starts over 17 games.”
A Reunion if So
Gilmore played for the Panthers in 2021, sandwiched between stops in New England and Indianapolis. In fact, Gilmore was a teammate of quarterback Sam Darnold in Carolina that season, and they reunited for 2024 in Minnesota.
Here’s Gilmore’s full NFL resume to date:
- Buffalo Bills (2012–2016)
- New England Patriots (2017–2021)
- Carolina Panthers (2021)
- Indianapolis Colts (2022)
- Dallas Cowboys (2023)
- Minnesota Vikings (2024)
Carolina’s defense ranked dead last in the NFL per DVOA last season.
Stephon Gilmore’s Performance in 2024
Minnesota lost two cornerbacks last summer. Rookie Khyree Jackson tragically passed away in a car accident, and second-year corner Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL at training camp. Facing an urgent need for dependability, Minnesota signed Gilmore, and he played quite well for a 34-year-old defensive back.
Gilmore logged a 63.9 Pro Football Focus grade and a 94.1 passer rating against. He also notably sealed the deal in London, securing an interception off Aaron Rodgers in a win over the New York Jets.
Then, the 2025 offseason arrived, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah opted against a second act from Gilmore, and he’s stayed on the free-agent wire since.
Vikings Reunion Not 100% Ruled Out
So long as Gilmore remains available or until he retires, he’ll be a common-sense option for Brian Flores’ defense if injuries reemerge. Gilmore has logged five Pro Bowls since turning pro in 2012 with the Buffalo Bills, and those peak days of performance are gone, but in a pinch, he could do exactly what he did last year in Minnesota, if needed — a wonderful insurance policy as a spot starter.
The Dallas Cowboys were a rumored landing spot, as well, before the draft, but then Jerry Jones found promising rookie corner Shavon Revel Jr. in Round 3.
Rams a Theory for Gilmore, Too?
The Los Angeles Rams are evidently a possible destination for Gilmore, too.
Heavy‘s Isaac Zuniga explained last month, “It’s no secret the Los Angeles Rams need help at cornerback. The CB trio of Darious Williams (59.3), Ahkello Witherspoon (62.6), and Cobie Durant (61.5) posted below-average coverage grades last season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).”
“The Rams’ passing defense ranked 20th in the NFL last season, allowing 223.1 pass yards per game and 29 pass touchdowns last season. It’s time to make an attempt to change that. If the Rams are serious about contending in the NFC and want to maximize the back end of Matthew Stafford’s career, they can’t afford to roll the dice on inconsistency in the secondary.”
The Rams are also reportedly in the mix for a Jalen Ramsey trade.
Zuniga continued, “There’s one move that would make immediate sense: signing two-time All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore is on the back end of his career just like Stafford, but he still had a productive season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, posting 56 total tackles, one interception, and nine pass deflections. The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, five-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl LIII champion can provide a ton of value and played 860 snaps last season despite being 34 years old.”
“Gilmore has demonstrated time and time again that he thrives in man coverage and brings a level of physicality and discipline that the Rams’ current group lacks. While the Rams’ current cornerbacks have flashed at times, they need a lockdown presence who can eliminate an opponent’s top receiving threat and provide leadership to a young defense.”
Gilmore will turn 35 in September.
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