As anticipated, Stephon Gilmore’s time with the Dallas Cowboys is coming to an end after just one season. Gilmore, who lingered in free agency, has now agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
This announcement comes just three weeks before the Vikings’ season opener on September 8, 2024, against the New York Giants. Despite missing most of training camp, Gilmore’s impressive credentials as a five-time Pro Bowler remain undeniable.
“The Vikings are making a significant free agent move at an uncommon time: Former Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore is signing with Minnesota on a 1-year, $10M deal, source says,” Rapoport shared on August 18, 2024, via X. The former Cowboys and Patriots cornerback is reuniting with defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Gilmore, who started all 17 games for Dallas in 2023, was especially crucial with Trevon Diggs sidelined for the entire season. In 2023, Gilmore recorded 68 tackles, 13 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys had acquired Gilmore by trading a fifth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts in March 2023. Gilmore was previously on a two-year, $20 million contract before becoming a free agent in 2024.
The Cowboys Were Unwilling to Meet Stephon Gilmore’s Financial Demands
Although a return to the Cowboys was theoretically possible, it seemed Dallas had already moved on. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr., the Cowboys were not prepared to meet Gilmore’s financial demands.
“Gilmore got paid,” Hill noted on August 18 via X. “Good for him. The Cowboys were never going to bring him back at that price. Get your money, man.”
Ex-Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore on His Free Agency Experience: ‘There Are 64 Starting Corners Better Than Me?’
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that $7 million of Gilmore’s deal with the Vikings is guaranteed, with an additional $3 million available through incentives. Reflecting on his lengthy free agency period, Gilmore expressed his surprise at being unsigned for over five months. In a July 16 interview with NFL insider Josina Anderson, he questioned, “There are 64 starting corners better than me among 32 teams?”
“I don’t believe that. If teams want to win, they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, so there’s still time.”
The Dallas Cowboys Are Set for Strong Cornerback Depth Without Stephon Gilmore
Even without Gilmore, Dallas has decisions to make regarding their cornerback roster. The Athletic’s Jon Machota predicted that Diggs, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Caelen Carson, and Eric Scott will make the final 53-man roster.
“The top four corners seem to provide the Cowboys with excellent depth at the position,” Machota wrote in an August 7 article titled “Cowboys 53-man roster projection: How things look entering first preseason game.” “Bland, Lewis, and Carson have all had a strong start to camp.”