As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for training camp on July 20, 2025, the rumor mill is churning with speculation about a bold, last-minute roster move that could redefine their season. With just two weeks left before camp kicks off, The Athletic’s Jon Machota has dropped a bombshell prediction: the Cowboys are eyeing a reunion with five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore to fill their final roster spot. Could this be the game-changing move Dallas needs, or a risky gamble on a veteran past his prime?
Machota, in his June 26, 2025, analysis titled “Cowboys 53-man roster projection: One spot left open for player not on current roster,” pinpointed cornerback as the Cowboys’ most pressing need. With an open roster spot, Dallas has a golden opportunity to bolster their secondary, and Gilmore’s name is at the top of the list. “If the Cowboys are to make another notable roster move between now and the season opener, cornerback is the best bet,” Machota wrote. “That could potentially be a veteran free agent like Stephon Gilmore or someone Dallas makes a move for late in camp or during roster cuts.”
Currently, the Cowboys’ secondary relies heavily on starters Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson at safety, with Israel Mukuamu offering versatility at both safety and cornerback. However, if Dallas opts to stick with their existing roster, Andrew Booth would likely claim the fifth cornerback spot—a risky proposition given the team’s ambitions for a deep playoff run.
Stephon Gilmore is no stranger to the Cowboys’ faithful. In 2023, he started all 17 games for Dallas after being acquired via trade from the Indianapolis Colts, delivering a stellar performance on a two-year, $20 million deal. Fast forward to 2024, Gilmore started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings, racking up 56 tackles and nine pass deflections on a one-year, $7 million contract. While his days of commanding a massive five-year, $65 million deal—like the one he signed with the New England Patriots through 2021—are behind him, Gilmore remains a proven commodity.
At 34, Gilmore is selective about his next move. “I want to play this year, it’s just got to be the right situation,” he revealed on “The Money Down” podcast, as reported by NFL.com. “I’m not just gonna sign anywhere. … I still love the game. I still can contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.” For Gilmore, Dallas could be that place—a familiar system, a contending team, and a chance to prove he’s still among the elite.
Fueling the speculation, Gilmore was spotted at The Star, the Cowboys’ training facility, in April 2025. Athlon Sports’ Mike Fisher reported the sighting in an April 22 story titled “Stephon Gilmore Just Showed Up at Cowboys HQ To Launch Rumors.” While Fisher noted that a signing wasn’t imminent, the visit hinted at mutual interest. “The Cowboys are considering a future move,” Fisher wrote, adding that team officials are treading carefully to avoid alienating the veteran star.
Gilmore’s potential return could be a bargain for Dallas. His $7 million deal with the Vikings last season suggests he’s no longer chasing mega-contracts, making him an affordable addition for a team looking to maximize value. However, signing a 34-year-old cornerback comes with risks. Can Gilmore still keep up with the NFL’s fastest receivers? Will his experience outweigh any decline in athleticism? For a Cowboys team with Super Bowl aspirations, the decision to bring back Gilmore could be a high-stakes roll of the dice.
As training camp looms, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if they pull the trigger on this blockbuster reunion. Will Gilmore don the star again, or will the Cowboys look elsewhere to shore up their secondary? One thing’s certain: the clock is ticking, and the NFL world is watching.