Dallas Cowboys fans eagerly awaited updates on Twitter as former NFL general manager and current insider Michael Lombardi announced the team was on the verge of trading for a cornerback.
Within minutes, the Cowboys confirmed their acquisition of Stephon Gilmore from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick.
Stephon Gilmore was Colts’ Top Cornerback in 2022
Although Stephon Gilmore is past his prime, he effectively served as the Colts’ top cornerback last season, exhibiting lockdown defensive skills. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year will now join Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs in the cornerback position, strengthening the Cowboys’ secondary after the re-signing of safety Donovan Wilson during the legal tampering period.
Dallas has successfully traded for Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who now joins their impressive roster of defensive players. Last season, Gilmore achieved a 92nd percentile coverage grade (81.1), 93rd percentile coverage grade in single coverage, and a 98th percentile coverage grade in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus analyst Marcus Mosher.
Despite not generating as many turnovers as he did during his prime, 32-year-old Gilmore remains a top-performing cornerback. With this trade, the Cowboys have addressed one of their most significant offseason needs, and they’ve done so by acquiring one of the best players in his generation at his position.
Colts gain $9.9 million in cap space
The Colts, in turn, gain $9.9 million in cap space. However, they must still address their need for a cornerback.
With Gilmore’s arrival, DaRon Bland can continue his development in the slot, while Israel Mukuamu gets more opportunities to play as a cornerback after his impressive playoff performance against the Buccaneers. The trade may render Jourdan Lewis expendable, but keeping him could be beneficial considering Gilmore’s injury history prior to 2022.
For now, the Cowboys’ front office deserves praise for their strategic moves during the legal tampering period.
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