Panthers corner Stephon Gilmore added to NFC Pro Bowl roster
Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore is heading to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his NFL career. Gilmore was not named to the initial Pro Bowl roster, but he has now been added to the NFC roster as a replacement.
It was not announced specifically who Gilmore is replacing, but Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is heading to the Super Bowl, and therefore ineligible to play in the Pro Bowl.
Gilmore began his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills after being selected 10th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. After five seasons with the Bills, Gilmore then went to the New England Patriots, where he played four seasons. Gilmore was injured to begin the season, and the Patriots were set to release him before the Panthers swooped him and acquired him via trade.
Gilmore played in eight games with the Panthers, starting three. He totaled two interceptions, two passes defended, 16 tackles, and one tackle for loss. Gilmore made an impact when he was on the field, and now he is heading to yet another Pro Bowl alongside Panthers defensive end Brian Burns as a result.
Gilmore is set to hit free agency following the Pro Bowl
For the second time in his NFL career, Gilmore is set to hit free agency following the conclusion of the rest of the NFL season. Gilmore, 31, will be looking for what could be his final big payday of his career, at least on a deal with term.
In his ten NFL seasons, Gilmore has played in 132 games. He has 27 career interceptions, 116 passes defended, three fumble recoveries, and 427 total tackles.
With the Patriots in 2019, Gilmore had a monster season with six interceptions and 20 passes defended. His performance was good enough to earn him the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award that season. Gilmore also made Pro Bowls in 2016 with Buffalo, and in 2018, 2019, and 2020 with New England.
Gilmore had an offseason home in Charlotte, where the Panthers play, while with the Patriots. But with free agency looming, his future with Carolina is in doubt. The Panthers would like to bring Gilmore back to mentor a young group of corners that includes Jaycee Horn and CJ Henderson.