Cowboys Could Lose Starting CB in Free Agency: ‘Too Expensive’

The Dallas Cowboys would like to maintain several of their top players in 2024,

but even they cannot afford to keep all of them.

Given that the Cowboys will need to make changes just to stay under the salary limit,

Stephon Gilmore’s impending exit should not come as a surprise.

That is why Sports Illustrated’s Mike D’Abate feels the organization may not offer Gilmore a second contract.

Cowboys Could Lose Starting CB in Free Agency: ‘Too Expensive’

“Dallas is entering the new league year with the intent of clearing cap space,” D’Abate wrote.

“We may consider allocating funds to more pressing needs…” Given [DaRon] Bland’s emergence,

coupled with his far-more palatable $1.06 million cap number,

keeping Gilmore in the Cowboys fold may ultimately be too expensive for their liking heading into 2024.”

For context, Gilmore received $9.98 million in 2023 for his efforts.

He may not require the same income in 2024,

but it’s difficult to picture him accepting a significant wage drop. Gilmore had a terrific season in 2023,

demonstrating that he still has enough left in the tank.

Gilmore has its best season since 2019. he was once widely regarded as the NFL’s top cornerback.

Gilmore was a first-team All-Pro for the New England Patriots in both 2018 and 2019 seasons.

And he continued to perform well in the intervening years,

but his rookie season with the Cowboys was his best in years.

For starters, he began every regular-season game for the first time since 2019.

PFR also notes that he had two interceptions, caused a fumble, and defended 13 passes.

The 13 PDs are his best total since 2019, while his 54 solo tackles are the most in his career.

Cowboys supporters seen him step up in a less-than-ideal situation.

After Trevon Diggs’ season was cut short, Gilmore was forced to take over as the starter at cornerback,

and he performed admirably.

With all that said, it makes full sense for Gilmore to hunt for another hefty contract.

Spotrac feels his market value warrants a $11 million agreement,

but Dallas may be unable to meet that price.

How Cowboys Can Expand Cap Space

While the Cowboys will have limited financial space to begin the season,

they are far from out of options. The challenge is simply determining how and where to save money.

WR Michael Gallup, LB Leighton Vander Esch, and P Bryan Unger are three players to

keep an eye on as they are released.

Releasing Gallup after June 1 frees up $9.5 million,

while the Cowboys may receive $5.5 million if Esch and Unger are released.

That puts the Cowboys under the cap, at the very least. However, they could rework such deals,

as has previously been done. With that move in mind, guard Zack Martin stands out.

If Dallas agrees to a base pay conversion with Martin, they may save up to $13.4 million.

One of the other major contracts they could try to flip is DE Demarcus Lawrence’.

They could keep the soon-to-be 32-year-old while saving $7 million against the cap through a conversion.

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