While we have to wait a little less than a month, one proven veteran has said he would like to return to Dallas for another year.
Stephon Gilmore said on 105.3 The Fan, he wants to be a part of this group for at least one more season.
Importance Of Gilmore
Gilmore was valuable this season because of the injury to Trevon Diggs.
When Diggs went down, he took over the No. 1 corner role. Without the Cowboys trading for him in March of last year, it may have been ugly.
#Cowboys Stephon Gilmore talking with @gbagnation on wanting to come back to Dallas another year.
“I for sure think we have the pieces to get where we want to be, and I want to be a part of that.”
Brandin Cooks also mentioned he'd love to have him back 🤟
(🎥: @1053thefan) pic.twitter.com/at6pbL9M6V
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) February 9, 2024
Diggs should return next season from injury, and with Mike Zimmer now calling the plays on defense, being the veteran Stephon Gilmore is, he should thrive again.
The trusty veteran was better than many thought he would be after stepping into a larger role due to the Diggs injury.
In 2023, allowed just a 54.9 completion rate on a whopping 91 targets, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
He finished the season with two interceptions, nine pass breakups, and allowed an 83.3 passer rating.
Missed only five tackles, which is highly impressive since he played the most snaps out of any Dallas defender.
What He Said
In an interview with 105.3, The Fan. former NFL Defensive Player of the Year said he wants to re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency and be a part of the group to try to win it all.
Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore on @dfwticket on wanting to return to Dallas in free agency: “I want to come back. We can't talk until March. But that's the goal, because I think we do have the pieces to get to where we want to go, and I want to be part of that.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 9, 2024
Even though Gilmore's willingness to stay with the team is an excellent sign for the Cowboys, it's unclear whether Dallas will give him the contract he needs this late in his career.
Overthecap projects his contract valuation at $7.6 million. I am worried that may be a bigger number than the Cowboys want to pay to bring him back.
When Dallas Can Offer
March 11th, the NFL's legal tampering period begins at 11 in the morning.
According to the NFL's official operations website, this is when teams are allowed to begin negotiating contracts with players who are set to become free agents.
At 3 PM on March 13th, the madness begins.
All contracts that end after the 2023 season expire. Teams are then allowed to start bidding wars for those who can sign a new deal.
Not sure if this has been out there: CB Stephon Gilmore (shouder), TE Peyton Hendershot (ankle), G T.J. Bass (elbow) had surgeries shortly after season ended. Hendershot, Bass good for offseason program. Gilmore, set to be a FA, has a 4-6 month recovery period but OK for camp.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) February 8, 2024
Bring Him Back
Jerry Jones talked about going “all in,” to win a title next year. It starts with bringing back a player who has that championship pedigree.
Gilmore has done it all in this league and knows how to win.
He has been a Defensive Player of the Year, and won a Super Bowl.
The 12-year vet showed everyone he could still play at a high level when Diggs went down.
You bring him back for Mike Zimmer, and let him cook.
“It's a pretty damn good hire.”@keyshawn is a fan of the Cowboys hiring Mike Zimmer as DC pic.twitter.com/pRZnMtJFaP
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 15, 2024
If an above average player says he wants to come back, then you make it happen. This team will have the talent to do it, and you can't go all in by replacing someone who has been to the top of the mountain.
I am nearing my end trying to talk myself into a chance every single year.
If Jerry Jones is once again all talk from what he said about a month ago, It will be hard to continue to convince myself good things will happen with him here.
A big reason why they haven't won anything for nearly 30 years.
