In the end, the Cowboys were fortunate to acquire Stephon Gilmore in the spring of last year because he filled in for Trevon Diggs at the top corner position after the latter was hurt in Week 2, and DaRon Bland, the player who was pushed into the starting position on the other side, had a breakout season and solidified his place as a starter moving forward.
Should Diggs remain healthy in 2024, the frugal Cowboys may not require an additional corner. Nevertheless, Gilmore was outstanding last season despite being 33 years old, and having continuity, quality, and depth in the defensive backfield might not be a terrible thing.
Since there isn’t much money available for free agents in the league, Gilmore might be a good value. After all, in 12 NFL seasons, he is a two-time All Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler.
Obviously, the Cowboys are fans of Gilmore. They also enjoy good deals. Early in free agency, owner Jerry Jones made it apparent that he would not be making significant additions to this roster.
As a result, they might be able to reinstate Gilmore as a member of the DB rotation. Bleacher Report believes that a reunion between the Cowboys and Gilmore would be the veteran’s “best fit.”
Cowboys Need to Exercise Caution Amid DaRon Bland’s Breakout
This week, David Kenyon of B/R argued in a post headlined “Best Fits for NFL’s Most Intriguing Available 2024 Free Agents” that the Cowboys and Gilmore ought to run it back:
“The seasoned cornerback, who most recently played for the Dallas Cowboys, has been excellent at every trip. With 13 pass breakups and two interceptions at the end of the 2023 season, he gave up 6.9 yards per target and a quarterback rating of just 82.7.
“Though the return of Trevon Diggs following DaRon Bland’s breakout season complicates that picture, Dallas should consider keeping him.”
When the Cowboys head into 2024, one of the main concerns will be Bland and if his incredible performance from the previous season will be repeated. Pro Football Focus gave him an 89.5 season grade, placing him second among all NFL cornerbacks.
However, that was mostly predicated on an amazing run that included five interceptions returned for touchdowns in the first 12 games of the season. Late in the season and during the playoffs, he declined in coverage.
The Cowboys should exercise caution because Bland was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft without a strong background as a standout cornerback.
Gilmore, Stephon Still a Trustworthy Veteran
However, there is no need for concern regarding Gilmore. He just ended a two-year contract that the Colts had initially signed for $20 million. On a one-year contract, Spotrac estimates his market worth to be $11.4 million.
That does make some sense considering his age. However, considering the status of the market, he might end up needing to agree to a low-ball contract with a competitor. A possible suitor is the 49ers, the rival team.
A $10 million, one-year contract for Gilmore is projected by Pro Football Focus. The website summed up his qualifications as a free agent:
“Gilmore returned to playing competitive football this summer after being traded by the Indianapolis Colts to the Dallas Cowboys, and in the few years that he has been around, he hasn’t missed a beat. Gilmore is still quite effective in single coverage and has the physicality to compete with receivers who play through contact. He can jump routes with top-end play recognition and time his leap well on contested catches.
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