3 reasons the Panthers must extend Stephon Gilmore this offseason

All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore is out of contract this offseason and it is vitally important for the Carolina Panthers to keep him around.

There are some pivotal decisions looming for the Carolina Panthers. Another season of abject failure will not be tolerated by team owner David Tepper, who has been noticeably silent in recent months as Matt Rhule’s men went on to lose 12 of their final 14 games en route to yet another five-win season.

With little in the way of cap space and one draft pick in the top-100, it’s going to be difficult for those in power in the coming weeks. Considering what’s at stake for Rhule during a crucial Year 3 of his tenure, it’s essential the right moves are made to put the Panthers in a position to win right now.

Easier said than done, obviously. Especially when one considers multiple positional groups that need reinforcing and there is also the small matter of established veterans looking for new deals of their own.

One such example is Stephon Gilmore, who was an in-season arrival from the New England Patriots. The cornerback came into the organization with a glittering reputation and judging by his production on the field, there is plenty of life in the former South Carolina star just yet.

It will be interesting to see what the Panthers do with Gilmore, who would have a ton of suitors on the free-agent market if he was allowed to leave. But there is plenty to suggest his stay in Carolina could end up being longer than a short-term arrangement.

With this in mind, here are three reasons why the Panthers must re-sign Gilmore this offseason.