Sep 19, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys will have about a week to lock down a new deal with a key starter from the 2023 season–or they could walk to the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys have had an anemic free agency this offseason following Jerry Jones’ pledge that he’d be “all-in” for the upcoming season.
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t done much in free agency
Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman (24) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
With the addition of running back Royce Freeman, the Cowboys have signed two outside free agents since the start of the league’s new year in March. The Cowboys have seen core members like Tony Pollard and Tyron Smith leave for more money with new teams.
The Carolina Panthers are recruiting Stephon Gilmore
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
As previously discussed on GH, veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore said earlier this offseason it was his “goal” to return to the Cowboys. However, the Cowboys have not yet re-signed him, and he’s getting interest from other teams.
Jadeveon Clowney has recruited him to come home and join forces with the Panthers, as both players are from the Carolinas. The Panthers haven’t reached a deal with Gilmore, but they want to.
Per Darin Gantt with the Panthers website, general manager Dan Morgan said they’re leaving the door open for Gilmore. The Panthers will “revisit” negotiations with Gilmore following the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys don’t have much time to get a deal done
Oct 11, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones adjusts his tie before being honored with the 1964 national championship team before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Alabama defeated Arkansas 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys have little time to waste if they want to re-sign Gilmore. The 33-year-old two-time All-Pro will surely be signed by a cornerback-needy team before the upcoming season.
Per Pro Football Focus, Gilmore earned a 74.4 overall grade for his play last season, making him the 35th-highest-graded cornerback for 2023.
He can still play. Will it be for Dallas? Or will they lose another veteran star?
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Jordan Sigler is a sports journalist. He writes about sports for Wisconsin Sports Heroics, ChiCitySports, and Gridiron Heroics. His craft has been nationally syndicated for Yardbarker, MSN, and Bleacher Report.
