3 reasons the Panthers must extend Stephon Gilmore this offseason

Carolina Panthers need veteran leadership

The Carolina Panthers have some exciting young cornerbacks to utilize moving forward. No. 8 overall selection Jaycee Horn looked like a stud in the making before going down with a broken foot at the Houston Texans in Week 3, with the likes of Keith Taylor Jr. and C.J. Henderson also showing some promise they could build on.

With Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore out of contract this spring, the Panthers need to keep one around to provide veteran leadership and guidance to a unit that has a clear amount of potential. Although he is a little older, the Super Bowl winner represents the better option from a leadership standpoint and his advice could make all the difference for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

Gilmore might not be the most vocal figure within the locker room. But he leads by example and has already made a significant impact on the likes of Horn in a very short space of time.

Much will depend on the money, obviously. But Gilmore’s influence is far more than just outstanding production on the field and this could have long-term benefits for the Panthers if their gifted young corners soak up as much information as possible from the two-time All-Pro.

Carolina’s defense made some strides in 2021 despite getting almost no assistance from the offensive side of the football. If Gilmore and perhaps Haason Reddick are re-signed, things could get even better next time around.