Carolina Panthers haven't shut the door on return of fan-favorite

Don't shut the door on a Stephon Gilmore return, at least Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan isn't. 

During a pre-draft press conference Thursday, Morgan and Dave Canales provided the canvas for the next steps forward for the team. Part of that plan, as it turns out, could mean bringing back a familiar face in Gilmore. 

“Yeah, we’re gonna leave the door open there,” Morgan replied. “We’re still gonna stay in communication and after the draft, we’ll circle back and kinda see where it goes from there.”

Gilmore played for the Panthers in 2021 and moved on to the Colts and Cowboys for the last two years.

His best crop of seasons came with the Patriots from 2017 to 2020. Gilmore was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and made two All-Pro teams before being traded to Carolina. 

Also working to bring Gilmore to Charlotte in Jadeveon Clowney's homecoming. 

Clowney, after signing with the Panthers, said he planned to "try to get him to pull up, too."

With the line of communication open, Clowney making his pitch and Morgan eager to have him, it wouldn't be shocking if Gilmore finds a way back to Charlotte before summer is over.