As it turns out, getting Stephon Gilmore last spring was perfect for the team because he took over the top cornerback role when CowboysTrevon Diggs got injured in Week 2. The player who filled in the opposite starting position had an outstanding year and established himself as a starter going forward. It's likely that the Cowboys won't need another cornerback if Diggs is healthy in 2024. However, even at 33, Gilmore performed exceptionally well last year, and having depth, talent, and continuity in the defensive backfield would be beneficial. DaRon BlandGilmore is currently a free agent, and given the decreasing money for free agents across the league, he could be a great deal. After all, he is a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All Pro in 12 NFL seasons.
The Cowboys are interested in Gilmore and are looking for bargains. Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that he is not going to spend a lot on this roster.
This could make them a good match for bringing back Gilmore as part of the defensive back rotation. Bleacher Report sees the possibility of a Cowboys-Gilmore reunion as the best fit for the veteran.
The Cowboys should be careful with DaRon Bland's breakout.
In an article titled, “Best Fits for NFL’s Most Intriguing Available 2024 Free Agents,” B/R’s David Kenyon wrote that the
Cowboys and Gilmore should run it back
. The veteran cornerback has consistently performed well at each stop, including for the Dallas Cowboys. In 2023, he allowed an average of 6.9 yards per target:
and a passer rating of 82.7, ending the season with 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. The Cowboys should think about keeping him, although the return of Trevon Diggs after DaRon Bland’s breakout year complicates that decision. One of the big questions the Cowboys will have in 2024 is about Bland himself and whether his great performance last year will happen again. He received an
89.5 season grade
from Pro Football Focus, which was the second highest among all cornerbacks in the NFL. But this was mainly due to his incredible performance in the first 12 weeks of the year, which included five interceptions returned for touchdowns. He declined in coverage towards the end of the year and in the playoffs. Bland was a fifth-round pick in 2022, without a strong history as a star corner. This should make the Cowboys cautious about whether his 2023 performance can be repeated.
Stephon Gilmore is still a reliable veteran.
There is no need to be cautious about Gilmore. He just finished a contract worth $20 million over two years, originally signed with the Colts. According to Spotrac, he has a
market value of $11.4 million
on a one-year deal. Considering his age, this makes sense. However, given the current state of the market, he might have to sign for a lower price with a contender. The 49ers are a potential option. Pro Football Focus predicts a one-year, $10 million deal for Gilmore. The site summarized
his free-agent qualifications:
“Gilmore’s trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason got him back to playing contending football, and he hasn’t skipped a beat at any point as he’s moved around over the past few years. Gilmore still thrives in single coverage and can jostle with the more physical receivers who play through contact, timing his leap well on contested catches and jumping routes with top-end play recognition.” Bleacher Report suggests that even though the Cowboys have many cornerbacks, they should still bring back Stephon Gilmore.
“Gilmore’s trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason got him back to playing contending football, and he hasn’t skipped a beat at any point as he’s moved around over the past few years. Gilmore still thrives in single coverage and can jostle with the more physical receivers who play through contact, timing his leap well on contested catches and jumping routes with top-end play recognition.”
