Stephon Gilmore seems to have made up his mind.
Expectations were low for the Dallas Cowboys heading into the 2024 offseason, but there was a glimmer of hope amongst fans that Jerry Jones would push the envelope ever so slightly after he facilitated trades last March for veterans Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks.
The Cowboys restructured Cooks' contract shortly after the trade became official to create additional cap space last spring. The maneuver ensured Cooks another year with Dallas in 2024, but fans want the Cooks-Gilmore band back together after the latter's rock-solid campaign.
Despite having "unfinished business" with the Cowboys, there's virtually been zero evidence to suggest that a reunion is in the works.
With training camps ramping up next week, Gilmore gave insider Josina Anderson an update on his prolonged free agency. Let's just say the Cowboys' chances of re-signing the 33-year-old have taken a substantial hit.
Cowboys free agent Stephon Gilmore sounds like he has moved on
"...Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp," said Gilmore," but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that. If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while."
It's open for interpretation if Gilmore took a subtle dig at the Cowboys. Whatever the case, Gilly sounds like someone who has made up his mind about moving on. And you know what? The feeling might be mutual.
Whether it's a matter of Gilmore's salary demands, his age (he turns 34 in September), or Dallas being content with its current cornerback room, the front office has never seemed motivated to re-sign the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Without Gilmore, the Cowboys have a formidable cornerback rotation helmed by Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis. The team also is bullish on rookie fifth-round pick Caelen Carson and many expect second-year pro Eric Scott Jr. to take a leap.
Could Dallas use Gilmore? Absolutely. No team should turn its nose up on an accomplished vet who has championship pedigree.
However, cash will be tight for as long as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb remain unsigned. The Joneses might want to preserve the club's remaining camp room ($12.05 million, per Over The Cap) to upgrade a weaker position like defensive tackle or running back if the opportunity presents itself.
It's possible that the Cowboys are waiting for the right opportunity to sign Gilmore, but the writing seemingly has been on the wall for months now that Gilmore will be playing elsewhere in 2024.
