6 Carolina Panthers players who’ve already earned a payday in 2022
By Dean Jones
Stephon Gilmore – Carolina Panthers CB
It’s been a small sample size where Stephon Gilmore is concerned following his trade from the New England Patriots. The Carolina Panthers are taking things one step at a time with the All-Pro cornerback, who gained two interceptions in his first two games before playing a limited role at the Arizona Cardinals with an injury concern.
Everyone knows what Gilmore is capable of.
After all, those who’ve won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year don’t grow on trees.
This is where Gilmore wanted to be when the Patriots opted to cast him aside.
Hopefully, it will stay that way.
The Panthers have an abundance of young talent at the cornerback position. All of whom will benefit from Gilmore’s expertise if he stays beyond 2021.
Much will depend on what Gilmore is after from what will likely be his final long-term contract before retirement. But from a football standpoint, this is a tremendous situation for the South Carolina product and one that could even prolong his time in the league.
All contending teams need a player like Gilmore. One that can lock down the top passing weapon and provide the leadership needed in critical moments to make everyone around him better.
And all this cost was a sixth-round pick in 2023.