The NFL landscape has been shaken up over the past few days with a pair of sudden retirements. After Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Houston Texans cornerback Ronald Darby is stepping away from the game after 10 seasons in the league.
Another retirement: Veteran CB Ronald Darby, who played 10 seasons and helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII, informed the Houston Texans that he is retiring from the NFL, per sources. pic.twitter.com/ZC9RqbSqqv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2025
While the Ragnow retirement doesn’t have much to do with the Cowboys, there is a residual effect with Darby hanging up the cleats. It’s great news for a former Dallas cornerback who is now the top cornerback on the market as teams converge for OTA workouts.
Former Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore Becomes Top Free Agent After Ronald Darby’s Retirement
Former Cowboys defensive back Stephon Gilmore is still looking for a job as OTAs have gone into full swing. Gillmore spent the 2023 season with the Cowboys, making 68 total tackles with 13 pass deflections and two interceptions but moved on to the Minnesota Vikings last season, making 56 total tackles with nine pass deflections and an interception.
The fact Gilmore, who will turn 35 in September, is still on the market is not surprising as he took his time last year. After waiting to see who needed cornerback help, Gilmore chose the Vikings shortly after training camp concluded and wound up on a team that won 14 games last season.
Looking at the current market, Gillmore has several options. The Texans should be interested in Gilmore as they look for a partner to pair with Derek Stingley Jr. but they also have Kamari Lassiter, who is coming off a strong rookie season with 58 total tackles, 10 pass deflections and nine interceptions.
Other teams could also be interested as Samuel is the fourth-best available cornerback according to The Athletic’s free agent rankings. Rasul Douglas is the top option on the list but Asante Samuel Jr. is recovering from a neck injury while Mike Hilton’s consistency may make him an inferior option compared to Gilmore’s track record as a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Either way, Darby’s retirement is great news for Gilmore and any other available cornerback, which could lead to him finding a new home sooner than later.