The Dallas Cowboys are in the second week of training camp, and pads have come on. While these sessions are crucial in terms of getting reps in, injuries are naturally a part of the game, and Dallas is feeling that heavy in the cornerback room.
Dallas is already practicing without Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel, and Josh Butler, who are on PUP/NFI lists. They are also without DaRon Bland until Monday, and another CB will miss time. Per ESPN's Todd Archer CB Caelen Carson suffered a hyperextended knee during Sunday's practice and will miss 4-6 weeks.
With the Cowboys incredibly thin in the secondary, they should look into re-signing CB Stephon Gilmore.
Cowboys Should Sign Stephon Gilmore Amid Injuries
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.
He's a 13-year vet and spent the 2023 season in Dallas. During that campaign, he started in all 17 games, logging 68 total tackles, 13 pass deflections, and two picks. Per PFF, he had a 74.4 overall grade (31st among 229 graded cornerbacks), 76.1 run defense grade (28th among 229 graded cornerbacks), and a 72.3 coverage grade (46th among 229 graded cornerbacks).
He then joined the Vikings in 2024 and still provided them with a starting-caliber CB. In 15 starts for Minnesota, Gilmore had 56 total tackles, nine pass breakups, and one pick.
Granted, he's going to turn 35 years old in September, but adding him on a one-year deal isn't a crazy thought. 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.
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.
The Cowboys should move quickly after the latest injury to bring Gilmore in for the 2025 season and provide some depth at CB.