6 Carolina Panthers players who earned themselves contracts for 2022
By Luke Tucker
Stephon Gilmore – Carolina Panthers CB
In what has suddenly become a crowded cornerback room within the Carolina Panthers, the front office has some important decisions to make with Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore this offseason.
Jackson, who the Panthers took in the second round of the 2018 draft, had his best season as a pro in 2021 but was placed on injured reserve late in the year. Gilmore was acquired from the New England Patriots in October and brought his All-Pro talent to Charlotte.
With C.J. Henderson and Jaycee Horn guaranteed to return in 2022, it seems unlikely that both Jackson and Gilmore will both be re-signed this offseason.
If the Panthers base their decision off of age, Jackson would seem to be the favorite, as he is five years younger. If their priority centers more around winning now and developing Horn and Henderson, then one would think Gilmore could be back instead.
Talent-wise, Gilmore is the better option at this point in time. He’s a seasoned veteran, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and depending on who is in attendance this year, could be on his way to his fourth-straight Pro Bowl. That’s no disrespect to Jackson though, who has undeniably progressed as a player and a leader.
General manager Scott Fitterer said when Gilmore was acquired that the trade wouldn’t affect the team’s hopes to re-sign Jackson, and the LSU product himself said this week that he doesn’t see it as an either/or situation.
In reality, though, it probably is.
So, ultimately, the likelihood of Jackson and Gilmore both being back just doesn’t seem very good.
Gilmore has drawn praise from Horn and other members of the defense, with the rookie saying this week that he believes retaining the fellow South Carolina Gamecocks legend will help him in his development.
After taking Horn over Justin Fields and Mac Jones in the most recent draft, the Panthers should do whatever it takes to prove they got the pick right.