Report: Dallas Cowboys trade for Stephon Gilmore, send fifth-round pick to Indianapolis

One of the weaknesses the Dallas Cowboys saw in the roster last season was the second cornerback spot. Trevon Diggs was fantastic but once Anthony Brown went down with an injury, teams were able to target the other side of the field. The problem has now seemingly been fixed, with a trade being made on Tuesday.

According to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cowboys has traded for Stephon Gilmore. After spending one season in Indianapolis, Gilmore will be shipped off to Dallas, receiving a fifth-round pick in return.

“Another big trade! The #Colts are sending five-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore to the #Cowboys for a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” Pelissero said.

Gilmore will now be on his fourth team in as many seasons, also previously playing for the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers. There was a drastic difference between his time with Carolina and Indianapolis though, with Rapoport revealing a surgery fixing a long-term injury.

“Last offseason, Stephon Gilmore quietly had a meniscus repair, fixing his knee for good after years of pain,” Rapoport said. “It led to a stellar season in Indy, kick-starting a second act to his career.”

In 16 games last season with the Colts, Gilmore recorded 11 passes defended — his most since a league-high 20 in 2020. Two interceptions were also hauled in, one of which came against Dak Prescott. Now, the duo will be going up against one another in practice.

As for what Gilmore can bring to Dallas, Jane Slater of the NFL Network was able to hear from inside the Cowboys organization. They seem excited to bring him in, especially after a solid revival season with Indianapolis.

“Pro bowl level corner that fits scheme,” Slater’s source said. “Can play all coverages we like.”

Opposite of Gilmore will now be Diggs, setting up one of the more interesting cornerback duos in the NFL. As the tweet from Slater mentioned, neither is afraid to play man-to-man coverage but also has the ability to drop back into zone. A crucial aspect Dallas will enjoy having over the next year.

Giving up a compensatory fifth-round draft pick, something the franchise did not own even a few days ago, is a major win as well. And for once, fans of the Cowboys will feel as if their team is actually making competitive moves in the offseason.