Just a few weeks ago, I gave my thoughts on Stephon Gilmore. News came out a week before the season that he would be missing time as he was recovering from a quad injury. He had surgery in the off-season and was placed on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform). Also, during the off-season, Stephon announced he wanted that contract extension to remain in New England as a Patriot. He was entering the final year of his five-year, $65 million deal and was due $7 million in 2021. This morning, more news broke out that the Patriots were releasing the all-pro corner back. It was actually a mutual agreement between the two parties. Of course, the lists of teams came out that could use his services. I immediately thought of Tampa Bay and the San Francisco 49ers. Both of their secondaries have been decimated with injuries. Today, the Carolina Panthers announced they were acquiring the veteran defensive back from New England for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick.
I have raved about this guy for the last few years. His play simply does all of the talking. I’ve never seen him utter a word to who he’s defending. If you’re a cornerback currently playing the game and you need someone to watch, this is one guy I would highly recommend. Steph’s skills on the ball are top notch. He moves so well left and right and even if he slips in coverages, he recovers so quickly as if nothing happened. Many of his peers have complemented his smarts for years. He’s a highly intelligent football player who studies his receivers on the regular. The two things he brings to the table each week is how can he completely eliminate the receiver first. Shutting down a side of the field is always a priority on his list. Next, he likes to make the receiver adjust on the fly. Steph sticks to the receiver and takes away his go to move. One thing people don’t realize with him is how physical he is at the line of scrimmage. He will jam you off your route and make it difficult for you to keep running. He’s a true ball hawk and wherever the ball is, he is.
I really like this pick up for the Carolina Panthers. They lost Jaycee Horn for the foreseeable with a foot injury. Adding a veteran of Stephon’s caliber can elevate this defense. The Panthers appear to be all in and feel they can compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. It’ll be fun seeing him matchup against Mike Evans twice a season and hopefully Michael Thomas in the near future.
