Key Takeaways:
– Dallas Cowboys have yet to secure a new deal with five-time Pro Bowl Cornerback, Stephon Gilmore.
– Kristopher Knox of the Bleacher report suggests Kansas City Chiefs as a suitable fit for Gilmore.
– Currently a free agent, Gilmore’s continuation with the Dallas Cowboys is not imminent.
– Former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl Cornerback Xavien Howard is cited as a potential replacement for Gilmore.
The Dallas Cowboys are yet to finalize a new agreement with their Pro Bowl Cornerback, Stephon Gilmore. As an anchor in 2023, Gilmore played a critical role in the franchise following the loss of Trevon Diggs for the season. Nevertheless, without a new deal, the Cowboys risk losing Gilmore, who remains a free agent, in the upcoming weeks.
The Dallas Cowboys-Led Rivalry
The claim emerged after Kristopher Knox, a sports reporter for the Bleacher Report, expressed Kansas City Chiefs as the ideal destination for the player. Knox opined that the Chiefs, with over $15 million in remaining cap space, could be the best fit for Gilmore. Interestingly, the Cowboys might lack the financial capacity to engage the Chiefs in a bidding war for the defender.
In his story titled, “1 NFL Veteran Free Agent That Could Help Each Super Bowl Contender in 2024,” Knox added that the Chiefs could pivot to Gilmore following his strong performance for the Cowboys in 2023. He stated, “Gilmore was a strong performer for the Cowboys in 2023 and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.7 in coverage while starting all 17 games.”
However, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News mentioned that a renewal of Gilmore’s contract with Dallas was not imminent.
Emerging Prospects for the Cowboys
Over the past season, emerging Cornerback DaRon Bland and the return of Diggs placed the Cowboys in a relatively robust position. However, with Gilmore’s potential signing still uncertain, the coaching staff might feel more secure with a combination of Bland, Diggs, and Gilmore on the squad.
Gilmore’s market value is uncertain, particularly following the completion of his two-year, $20 million deal in 2023 when his cap hit stood at $9.98 million. Despite passing his Pro Bowl peak, Gilmore still appears to hold value as a competent NFL starter. During his games for the Cowboys last season, Gilmore chalked up an impressive 54 tackles, 13 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus ranked his performance, giving him a decent 74.4 grade.
Potential Replacement for Gilmore
As Gilmore continues to stay unsigned, it hints at Dallas’s readiness to look elsewhere. Kristopher Knox, in a separate report, suggested Xavien Howard, the former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowler, as a likely replacement for Gilmore. Despite his 2023 season being dented by a foot injury, the 30-year-old Howard is highly regarded as one of the league’s exceptional pass defenders. His potential to secure a budget deal could add to his appeal, primarily if it facilitates a deep playoff run.
The coming weeks will certainly unravel Gilmore’s subsequent home team, revealing if the rumors circling Howard take a tangible form. For now, much is left to see regarding the Dallas Cowboys’ final move to retain or replace their Pro Bowl Cornerback.