Despite a disappointing conclusion to the 2023 season, the Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for 2024 with optimism. From team owner Jerry Jones expressing a pseudo-vote of confidence in head coach Mike McCarthy to their determination to overcome the bitter memory of a 48-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild card weekend, the Cowboys seem determined to assemble the strongest team possible for the upcoming season. The question of whether they will invest in retaining veteran reserves, such as soon-to-be free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore, might provide insights into their strategy.
Gilmore, who played in all 17 games for Dallas in the last season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Despite his stats—68 total tackles, 13 passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble—not necessarily dominating the team stat sheet, Gilmore’s impact went beyond mere on-field performance. Acquired via trade from the Indianapolis Colts in March 2023, he was expected to bring experience to the Cowboys’ secondary alongside top cornerback Trevon Diggs. However, Diggs suffered an ACL tear in September, prematurely ending his season and placing Gilmore back in a crucial role of leadership in the cornerback room.
Despite Gilmore’s leadership qualities and his ability to anchor the secondary, second-year cornerback DaRon Bland emerged as the primary option, emulating Diggs’ aggressive play style. With both Bland and Diggs favoring the right side, it becomes challenging to envision a scenario where both corners are not starting on the edges in 2024. This raises the pivotal question: “What should be done with Gilmore?”
Even at the age of 33, Gilmore has maintained a high standard for several years. Beginning with the Buffalo Bills, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016, he evolved into an elite defensive back after signing with the New England Patriots in 2017. In his four seasons with the Patriots, he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, leading the league with six interceptions and 20 passes defended. Despite a statistical dip with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, Gilmore’s track record is impressive.
While Gilmore’s on-field skills and leadership make him a compelling option, the Cowboys may hesitate due to his expected asking price of $7.6 million annually in 2024, according to OverTheCap. Additionally, with the Cowboys aiming to clear cap space and potentially directing funds to more pressing positions, the financial aspect might make retaining Gilmore challenging. With Diggs secured under a five-year, $97 million contract extension, and considering Bland’s emergence with a more affordable $1.06 million cap number, keeping Gilmore in the Cowboys fold may prove too costly for their liking as they approach the 2024 season.
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