Former Panthers CB, free agent Stephon Gilmore reportedly visiting with Vikings

Former Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore may have found the right opportunity.

According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Rock Hill, S.C. native and free-agent defensive back is set to meet with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. Gilmore, who played nine games for the Panthers in 2021, has been linked back to his hometown team this offseason.

Given Carolina’s need for depth at the cornerback position, speculation on a possible return for Gilmore emanated earlier this spring. President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan and fellow University of South Carolina Gamecock Jadeveon Clowney have even spoken on Gilmore’s status multiple times since.

Prior to today’s news, the latest development on Gilmore also came courtesy of Anderson—who quoted the 33-year-old as saying the following in July:

“There are still some good corners and safeties out there like Justin Simmons and myself that are still not signed. Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp; but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that. If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while.”

Gilmore spent the 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys. He started in all 18 of their games, including the Wild Card Round loss to the Green Bay Packers.