USAT: Panthers Wire audio clip

USAT: Panthers Wire

Feb 20, 2022

With the Carolina Panthers’ salary cap space somewhere in between Target and Dollar Store money, it’s likely that a few players won’t be back in black and blue next season. So if the team could definitely keep one of its players that are headed for the open market, who should it be? - NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt has his answer, and it’s cornerback Stephon Gilmore. - “Re-inking Haason Reddick, who made good on his one-year contract by putting up an 11-sack season, should also be a priority,” Brandt prefaces. “But Gilmore played extremely well after being traded to the Panthers from New England in October, recording two picks and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 76.9 passer rating when targeting him in his eight appearances with Carolina’s second-ranked defense (fourth against the pass).” - Gilmore, who was acquired from the New England Patriots for a pittance of a 2023 sixth-round pick, certainly brought an invaluable dynamic to the secondary. Not only did he often play like the All-Pro defender he’s known to be—allowing just six receptions for 35 yards over his first six outings—but his veteran knowhow and leadership made a very apparent impact on a largely young secondary. - Reddick’s impact, however, also cannot be overlooked. As Brandt stated, the five-year veteran must be somewhere at the front of line—having followed up 12.5-sack 2020 with a disruptive and Pro Bowl-worthy 2021. - And how about Donte Jackson? Will the 26-year-old homegrown product, who has stepped up his game with every passing season, be the corner opposite Jaycee Horn for the next few years to come? - Well, whatever their to-do list looks like at the moment, the Panthers may have some tough decisions to make come March. - - RelatedPanthers' Haason Reddick named a top-10 free-agent signing of 2021PFF tabs CB Stephon Gilmore as Panthers' most indispensable free agent - - List - - Panthers' 2022 unrestricted free agents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Panthers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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