Breaking: Panthers Set To Sign $19.9 Million Fan-Favorite CB
Don’t shut the door on a Stephon Gilmore return, at least Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan isn’t.
During a pre-draft press conference on Thursday, Morgan and Dave Canales laid out the team’s next moves. As it turns out, part of that approach may involve reintroducing a familiar face to Gilmore.
“Yeah, we’re gonna leave the door open there,” Morgan said. “We’re still gonna stay in communication and after the draft, we’ll circle back and kinda see where it goes from there.”
Gilmore played for the Panthers in 2021 before moving on to the Colts and Cowboys for the last two years.
His finest seasons were with the Patriots from 2017 to 2020. Gilmore was voted Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and appeared on two All-Pro teams before being moved to Carolina.
Also working on bringing Gilmore to Charlotte for Jadeveon Clowney’s homecoming.
After signing with the Panthers, Clowney stated that he intended to “try to get him to pull up, too.”
With the lines of communication open, Clowney making his case, and Morgan eager to have him, it wouldn’t be surprising if Gilmore returns to Charlotte before the summer ends.
Panthers landed key free agent through a move made weeks in advance
The Carolina Panthers signed former Denver Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell to a three-year, $22.75 million contract, laying the groundwork ahead of time.
Before free agency, the Panthers promoted Dan Morgan to general manager and hired Dave Canales as the next head coach.
After that, Canales suggested keeping defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero on the team. As a result, linebacker coach Peter Hansen remained. That is what prompted Jewell to sign on the dotted line once Morgan made his offer.
Jewell cited the coaches as the reason for his decision to join the Panthers, as reported by Kassidy Hill on the official website. “Wanted some familiarity and I felt like I played my best ball under them.”
Jewell had one of his greatest seasons in 2022, with Evero and Hansen as coaches.
Jewell recorded two interceptions, 128 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 70 solo tackles.
He was a formidable presence. He is now returning to familiar coaches in an unfamiliar city. The hope is that the one reason he signed will produce the results the Panthers are looking for in 2024.
