Carolina Panthers have blatantly obvious solution to injury decimation

The Carolina Panthers delivered their best training camp practice during a joint session with the New York Jets, marking a high point in what has been a mixed summer for Dave Canales’ revamped team. The head coach aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for the regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints.

However, the Panthers are currently facing some injury challenges. Their already thin secondary took two significant hits right before the practice with the Jets. Cornerback Dane Jackson is set to miss about six weeks due to a hamstring injury. He has been a starter throughout the offseason, and his absence will be felt, although players like D’Shawn Jamison and Chau Smith-Wade have stepped up in extended roles.

Additionally, veteran safety Xavier Woods will also be sidelined for a few weeks, raising concerns. He has been essential to the team’s defense and was one of the few players to earn praise from last season’s struggles. This situation will test the Panthers, but a potential solution is readily apparent.

They should consider reaching out to Stephon Gilmore.

The Panthers had earlier discussions about re-signing Gilmore, who is interested in returning closer to home after leaving under challenging circumstances in 2021. However, financial discussions are key, as his former college teammate Jadeveon Clowney pointed out.

Gilmore knows he can still perform at a high level and isn’t willing to accept a pay cut, leaving him on the market and frustrated. His most recent visit was with the Minnesota Vikings, but he didn’t secure a contract there.

General Manager Dan Morgan has indicated he will stay in touch with Gilmore. Given the necessity to start strong under a new regime, it would be wise for him to pursue this option further.

While the Panthers have limited salary-cap space, there are ways to work around this issue. Morgan can’t let his secondary become vulnerable. Signing Gilmore would provide stability, veteran experience, and reliable performance to cover the losses they are facing.

This move would likely be popular among fans, as Gilmore is well-liked despite his brief tenure with the franchise. His addition would also aid the development of younger cornerbacks.

The injuries to Woods and Jackson underscore the precarious situation for the Panthers in 2024. Morgan is cautious about making short-term fixes while focusing on long-term growth, but the advantages of bringing in someone with Gilmore’s experience are clear. Whether this will happen remains uncertain, but it seems like an obvious move given the current circumstances.