Cowboys Suddenly Linked to Unsigned Vikings Defender
The Minnesota Vikings, somewhat oddly, have not re-signed five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore. He’s a free agent.
An injury in Dallas has cracked the door open for a possible reunion between the Cowboys and a former Vikings cornerback. Here’s the latest on the newfound theory.
The veteran defensive back is a pretty popular name for cornerback-needy teams. And because the Dallas Cowboys encountered a cornerback injury this week, coupled with the fact that Gilmore used to play for Dallas, Gilmore is the latest and greatest occupant of Dallas’ rumor mill.
Stephon Gilmore the Target of Cowboys Rumors
A reunion could be in order for Gilmore and Dallas.
DAL CB Caelen Carson Injured
ESPN’s Todd Archer tweeted Tuesday, “Cowboys CB Caelen Carson suffered a hyperextended knee Sunday that will keep him out 4-6 weeks, according to sources. Thins out a position that’s been w/o Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel, Josh Butler, who are on PUP/NFI, and DaRon Bland until Monday. Hence Christian Matthew addition.”
Four to six weeks would put Carson up against the edge for Week 1, when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Cowboys to start the 2025 campaign on September 4th.
So, Gilmore has entered the chat.
DAL Media Pounds the Table for Stephon Gilmore
Because Carson will miss time, various DAL-themed outlets used the occasion to endorse Gilmore to Dallas.
For example, SI.com’s Josh Sanchez wrote Tuesday, “Dallas must reunite with veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings and will turn 25 in December, but he still has the itch to play.” Note: Gilmore is going to turn 35.
“Last season, Gilmore played in 15 games and recorded 56 tackles, an interception, and nine passes defensed. In the 2023 season with Dallas, Gilmore hauled in two interceptions with 68 tackles, 13 passes defensed, and a forced fumble.”
Gilmore filled in wonderfully in Minnesota last year, proving he still has gas in the tank.
“He played in all 17 games. With the Cowboys needing depth in the secondary, bringing back a veteran presence who still has the urge to play and finish his career on a high note is a no-brainer. It’s low-risk, high-reward in a major area of need,” Sanchez added.
“If Jerry Jones really cares about winning, he should pick up the phone and make the call, because the answer to Dallas’ lack of secondary depth is hiding in plain sight.”
And that was just the first batch of Gilmore endorsements. More later.
A Would-Be Reunion for Gilmore, Cowboys
Here’s Gilmore’s NFL resume to date:
- Buffalo Bills (2012–2016)
- New England Patriots (2017–2021)
- Carolina Panthers (2021)
- Indianapolis Colts (2022)
- Dallas Cowboys (2023)
- Minnesota Vikings (2024)
Gilmore actually produced a 71.3 Pro Football Focus grade in Dallas two years ago, so fans remember him quite fondly.
Dallas Cornerbacks at the Moment
These are the Cowboys’ cornerbacks right now:
- Trevon Diggs
- Kaiir Elam
- DaRon Bland
- Caelen Carson
- Shavon Revel Jr.
- Kemon Hall
- Andrew Booth
- Troy Pride Jr.
- Josh Butler
- C.J. Goodwin
- Robert Rochell
- Bruce Harmon
- Christian Matthew
One might argue that Shavon Revel Jr., a 24-year-old, should be more game-ready than most rookies. Perhaps he can take Carson’s snaps in a pinch, rather than signing Gilmore. Stay tuned.
Another Gilmore Endorsement
SportDFW’s Richard Louis also published a Gilmore-Cowboys recommendation on Tuesday.
He explained, “Gilmore is still on the open market but is looking for the ideal landing spot to sign. Back in July, Gilmore stated he’s waiting for the ‘right situation’ this year and knows he can still contribute on the football field.”
“His resume speaks for itself, with five Pro Bowlers, two First-Team All-Pros, and one Super Bowl title. The knowledge and advice he could provide to the younger guys on this team may go a long way in terms of confidence and development. Granted, he’s going to turn 35 years old in September, but adding him on a one-year deal isn’t a crazy thought.”
Gilmore won’t need much acclimation to Dallas’ defense. He’s that seasoned.
Louis continued, “There’s no guarantee that Diggs will be ready in Week 1. Revel is just a rookie and returning from a torn ACL. Now Carlson’s status for the beginning of the season could be in doubt. Gilmore is the type of one-year deal that makes sense considering his play level and recent history suiting up for the team.”
“He would give them a veteran in the backend who could hold down the fort until everyone else gets back up to speed. The Cowboys should move quickly after the latest injury to bring Gilmore in for the 2025 season and provide some depth at CB.”
A Gilmore signing in Dallas is realistic, all things considered.
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