4 Cowboys Free Agents Most Likely to Walk This Offseason

4. CB Stephon Gilmore

With defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's arrival, the Cowboys' defense could experience a bit of a shakeup. That's why it isn't guaranteed that Stephon Gilmore won't return next season.

Acquired in a trade last March, the veteran cornerback was solid in a season where Dallas lost fellow CB Trevon Diggs to an ACL tear just two games into the season. Although he wasn't nearly as dominant as DaRon Bland, Gilmore finished the 2023 campaign as PFF's No. 35-graded corner after allowing 53 completions on 95 targets (55.8%) for 659 yards, four TDs, and an 82.7 passer rating.

But just because he had a solid year doesn't mean he's on the road to returning. For starters, Gilmore underwent surgery to repair his shoulder this offseason. Although he'll likely recover in time for the start of the 2024 campaign, he's turning 34 in September, which lowers the chances of him potentially returning to form.

On the topic of his age, Gilmore has also expressed the desire to return to the New England Patriots before he retires. His best years came when he played for the Patriots from 2017 to 2020 and there were also reports that New England attempted to acquire him last year before the Cowboys pulled off the trade with the Indianapolis Colts. If he doesn't think he has much juice left in the tank, Gilmore could return to Foxboro as soon as this offseason.

With the Cowboys knowing how to squeeze production out of their CBs, don't be surprised if they replace Gilmore with a younger, cheaper option this offseason.

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