5 potential destinations for Stephon Gilmore in 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
Stephon Gilmore could join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If the Carolina Panthers hadn’t swooped to acquire Stephon Gilmore via trade, there appears little doubt the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have made a strong run at the cornerback. This is an option they were denied by their NFC South rivals, which caused them to sign veteran Richard Sherman instead who is now out for the playoffs through injury.
Should the Panthers and Gilmore go their separate ways in free agency, it would be a surprise if Tampa Bay didn’t finally make their move. The player and quarterback Tom Brady enjoyed a phenomenal amount of success together on the New England Patriots and the thought of linking up again might be a tempting proposition for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
If there was one area on defense where the Bucs struggle on occasions, it’s in the secondary. Providing Brady gives it one more year in 2022 despite being 44 years old, then it’s vital the organization puts every possible piece in place to assist the legendary signal-caller.
Losing Gilmore to a divisional adversary wouldn’t be the best outcome for the Panthers. Even though they would receive a Day 3 draft pick in return as compensation in accordance with league rules.
Gilmore might jump at the chance of finishing his career with a contender. But it might be worth him signing a short-term deal that’s dependent on Brady’s status moving forward.