Cowboys Can Still Sign CB Stephon Gilmore in Free Agency

As the NFL offseason progresses, one of the more surprising developments has been the ongoing free agency of veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

A former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler, Gilmore still remains without a contract despite a strong 2024 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. In what may be his final chapter in the NFL, there’s still a chance that Gilmore ends up returning to Dallas—if the Cowboys are willing to make the right offer.

Gilmore, 35, isn’t the elite lockdown defender he once was, but he remains an above-average starter, particularly when paired with a strong supporting cast. Last season with the Vikings, he played a crucial role in Brian Flores’ aggressive, high-pressure defense.

That unit helped Minnesota reach 14 wins, and Gilmore’s experience and positioning were key parts of that success. He wasn’t just a veteran mentor—he was making plays, breaking up passes, and showing that he can still handle CB2 duties in today’s NFL.

Despite that performance, Gilmore’s age is working against him. NFL teams are naturally hesitant to commit to cornerbacks in their mid-30s, knowing how quickly athleticism can decline at such a demanding position.

Even a slight drop in speed or reaction time can be the difference between a pass defensed and a touchdown allowed. That’s the calculated risk teams are weighing with Gilmore. Is 2025 the year the wheels fall off, or can he hold the line one more season?

One team that makes a lot of sense for Gilmore is the Dallas Cowboys. Gilmore played for Dallas in 2023 and held his own across from Trevon Diggs and, later, DaRon Bland. His leadership and steady presence in the secondary were instrumental during times when the Cowboys’ secondary was shorthanded due to injuries.

Reuniting with Dan Quinn might not be an option anymore now that he’s in Washington, but the Cowboys’ system and locker room familiarity remain major draws.

With Dallas still looking to solidify depth behind Diggs and Bland, adding a veteran like Gilmore would be a smart insurance policy. He wouldn’t be expected to carry the load, but in key matchups or high-pressure playoff situations, having a seasoned player who has been through the wars is invaluable. The question is simply price.

If the Cowboys are willing to offer Gilmore a deal that reflects his veteran status without lowballing him, the door is wide open for a reunion. Gilmore may not have many seasons left, but for a contending team like Dallas, bringing him back could prove to be a savvy move—especially if he can give them one more solid year before riding off to what could be a Hall of Fame sunset.