David Helman
Dallas Cowboys Insider
Better late than never?
We’ve practically reached summer, so there’s no need rehashing the Cowboys’ inactivity during this offseason. Despite Jerry Jones’ infamous proclamation of going “all-in,” the Cowboys look determined to rely on their youth in 2024.
Still, talent acquisition is a 365-day-a-year effort, as Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones likes to say. With the draft behind us, and free-agent signings no longer affecting the precious compensatory pick formula for 2025, this might be the time of year when the Cowboys feel comfortable hunting for difference-makers at a much lower price.
There’s precedent for it. The Cowboys made Anthony Barr a summer signing back in 2022, and they did the same with Everson Griffen in 2020. The talent pool is a bit thinner, but that’s what happens when you wait two months.
With that, here are five available veterans who could impact this year’s roster.
1. Stephon Gilmore (CB)
Let’s start with the obvious one. Gilmore started all 17 games for the Cowboys last year and held down his side of the field amid Trevon Diggs’ absence for most of the season. The former Patriots star will turn 34 this season, and it’s fair to say he’s not the NFL Defensive Player of the Year that he was five years ago. But he’s still an above-average starter and can be a useful part of a strong defense.
Given his age and résumé, it’s not surprising that Gilmore is waiting out the market — either for the best offer, or the best chance to contend. Or both.
It’s worth noting that the Cowboys do have a pair of All-Pros in Diggs and DaRon Bland. But Diggs is returning from a torn ACL, and Bland struggled a bit down the stretch despite logging an NFL-high nine interceptions. Having a third quality starter wouldn’t be a bad thing, depending on price.
In fact, a corner room of Diggs, Bland, Gilmore and Jourdan Lewis would be among the NFL’s best.
Best…
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Publish date : 2024-05-21 18:17:59
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