Panthers came within moments of bringing in the player it wanted all summer

Stephon Gilmore was almost a member of the Carolina Panthers – again.

The 33-year-old cornerback signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year agreement worth up to $10 million—including $7 million in guarantees, as ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday .

However, it turns out Gilmore was almost a member of the Panthers before Minnesota came calling.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported before the Vikings inked the one-year deal, the Panthers made an offer for Gilmore's services. In the end, it wasn't enough and Gilmore reunited with Brian Flores.

Gilmore's decision makes life difficult for the Panthers. Carolina is without starting corner Dane Jackson, who is expected to miss six weeks.

The Panthers have flirted with Gilmore all summer. Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney said he was working to recruit Gilmore to Carolina. His pitch wasn't good enough.

Carolina General Manager Dan Morgan also wanted to land a deal for the Pro Bowl-caliber corner.

Morgan made the offer. It proved not enough.