Cowboys Trade for Stephon Gilmore: Outbid Patriots

A new report states that the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots were both vying for cornerback Stephon Gilmore this offseason, but the former ultimately won out

The Dallas Cowboys set out to bolster their secondary this offseason, and they did just that in spectacular fashion by trading for former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.

However, the Cowboys weren't the only team bidding for Gilmore's services. According to a new report by The Athletic, the New England Patriots were also interested in re-acquiring the star corner after they parted ways with him in 2021. Ultimately, though, Dallas beat out New England and landed Gilmore in exchange for only a fifth-round pick.

Gilmore arrived in New England in 2017 and quickly established himself as a star in the secondary. In four seasons with the Patriots, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro nods while helping the Patriots win Super Bowl LIII, the last of six in the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty. His best season came in 2019, when he led the league with 20 passes defended and six interceptions en route to the aforementioned Defensive Player of the Year award.

After suffering a partially torn quad late in 2020, Gilmore began the 2021 season on the PUP list and the Patriots traded him to the Carolina Panthers in October. In eight games with Carolina, Gilmore recorded 16 tackles, two passes defended and two interceptions. He then signed with the Indianapolis Colts last offseason, recording 66 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions in 16 games.

While a return to New England may have been enticing to Gilmore, he ultimately landed where he wanted to be.

“It’s exciting (joining the Cowboys)," Gilmore told The Athletic. "We’ve got a lot of great players on this team, pass rush and secondary. I’m just looking forward to making plays myself and helping out the guys as much as I can.”

By coming to Dallas, Gilmore is now one half of one of the league's best corner duos alongside Trevon Diggs. As the Cowboys look to finally break through in the postseason, the play of their star corners will be something to watch closely.

---

You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

COWBOYS FISH REPORT … now a podcast! Join us inside The Star, ANY TIME!

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?

Follow FishSports on Twitter