Predicting Where Stephon Gilmore Will Sign Following the NFL Draft

Prediction: Carolina Panthers

Even though the Lions, Colts, and the Cowboys are all real possibilities, the most likely scenario might be Gilmore returning to the Carolina Panthers, where he played in the 2021 season.

The Panthers had traded for him mid-season in 2021 where he eventually made the Pro Bowl despite only playing in eight games. By playing so well there, he played himself out of a contract in Carolina, and ended up signing with the Colts that offseason.

Now with Carolina looking to take a significant step forward after a miserable 2-15 season in 2023, Gilmore is the perfect veteran to help them get back to respectability.

The Panthers already have Jaycee Horn on the outside, but their options on the other side leave plenty to be desired. They added Dane Jackson in free agency, drafted Chau Smith-Wade in the fifth round and they still have Troy Hill. Gilmore would be an immediate upgrade over these.

When asked about the Gilmore speculation, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan didn't close the door.

"We’re not gonna close the door on anything. We’ll continue to talk and explore, and see where that goes."

- Panthers GM Dan Morgan

Joe Person of The Athletic called it an "inevitability" earlier this week that Gilmore would return to the Panthers. There isn't much progress on that front as of now, but it does seem like the most likely possibility for now.

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