Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks winning over Cowboys staff, teammates early

Two of the Dallas Cowboys‘ biggest offseason moves came early in free agency when they traded two late-round draft picks for veterans Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks. Both former first-rounders are making strong impressions on their teammates, as well as the Cowboys staff.

After the first couple OTA practices, Mike McCarthy told reporters that they’ve “made an impact” already.

“Two excellent veterans,” McCarthy said on Thursday. “Just their veteran experience and their abilities speaks for itself. They’ve been everything we thought they would be. The professionalism is top-notch.

“They both have made impacts in their position rooms and obviously, me being with the offense and being around Brandin, just so happy he’s here. They both have made an impact already.”

Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs has been “bugging” Gilmore for his tips and tricks almost every day and Michael Gallup had nothing but praise for Cooks. Even though his arrival could potentially mean less shine on Gallup, the two are hitting it off and focusing on winning it all in 2023.

“We love him in there,” Gallup said, via the Athletic. “I ain’t going to lie to you. He has been in there every day, working, just trying to win. That’s all he wants to do is just win, and he wants to do it as a group. He’s a great addition.”

Cowboys give Cooks, Gilmore second wind

As much as Cooks and Gilmore are bringing to Dallas in talent and experience, the Cowboys are, in turn, giving the veterans opportunities at a deep postseason run, and maybe more.

The former Texan has won just 11 games in his last three seasons of playing, meanwhile, the Cowboys have posted more wins in both of the last two years.

“It’s special when you become a part of something that’s already been moving at a fast pace and been doing great,” Cooks said. “You just want to come in and fit in, come in and make plays, and be a part of the guys and continue to have fun.”

Gilmore, going into his 12th season, has already been to the pinnacle of the sport. He’s won the Super Bowl and the league’s defensive MVP award. Now, as he heads into the twilight years of his career, he’s counting on the younger Cowboys players to “keep him going.”

“Any time you go somewhere new it’s like a breath of fresh air, new opportunity, and got some good young players,” Gilmore added. “They always keep you going, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

With the Texans last season, Cooks had 57 catches for 699 yards. Meanwhile, Gilmore posted 66 tackles and two interceptions for the Colts, bringing his career total up to 29 picks in regular season games.