Former Panthers CB Stephon Gilmore gives update on his free-agent status

Free-agent CB Stephon Gilmore: “I know I’m still a starter in this league.”

The waiting game continues for former Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

As arrivals for training camp begin to trickle in this week, the two-time First-team All-Pro and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year still remains a free agent. Gilmore provided an update on his status to NFL insider Josina Anderson, who posted the following quote from the 33-year-old defender on Tuesday afternoon:

“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 has been linked back to Carolina a few times this offseason. New Panther, fellow Rock Hill, S.C. native and University of South Carolina teammate Jadeveon Clowney has even hinted at bringing his old pal in—telling reporters he’s remained in touch with Gilmore since his signing.

The Panthers traded for Gilmore in the middle of the 2021 campaign. He earned his fifth career Pro Bowl selection despite playing in just nine games that season.

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