5 former Carolina Panthers players who’ll be missed most in 2022
By Dean Jones
Stephon Gilmore – Former Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers signing cornerback Chris Westry on a short-term deal was yet another sign that Stephon Gilmore would not be returning. This is a major disappointment to fans who wanted to see what the All-Pro could do with a full offseason under his belt, but it appears as if all parties are now going to go their separate ways after the shortest of homecomings.
There was an incredible amount of fanfare surrounding Gilmore’s acquisition via trade from the New England Patriots. This legitimized what Carolina was planning on doing for the remainder of the campaign, but things did not go according to plan where results were concerned and the South Carolina product took his time to fully participate after a torn quad.
Gilmore certainly looked like a shutdown cornerback when he was on the field. But another injury ended his season early and it now appears as if the veteran will take his chances elsewhere after the Panthers re-signed Donte Jackson.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles have all shown strong interest in Gilmore. A reunion with the Panthers hasn’t been entirely ruled out, even though it’s becoming less likely with every passing day.
Gilmore’s presence on the field will be missed. His influence on the development of players such as Jaycee Horn, Keith Taylor Jr., and C.J. Henderson is also an extra element to this equation that now won’t come to fruition.