Cowboys Reload: Gilmore Signing Signals Defensive Warpath Begins July 15
Cowboys Reload: Gilmore Signing Signals Defensive Warpath Begins July 15
Just days before training camp opens on July 15, Dallas pulls off a veteran stunner—re-signing former All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore in a no-nonsense, win-now move.
FRISCO, TX — July 6, 2025
In a blockbuster twist that few saw coming but many hoped for, the Dallas Cowboys have officially re-signed veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a one-year, $7.5 million deal just nine days before training camp opens on July 15.
The move comes after weeks of internal debate and a flurry of speculation from fans and analysts. With Trevon Diggs still in recovery and depth concerns mounting at cornerback, the Cowboys’ front office finally pulled the trigger on a deal that signals aggression, urgency, and zero tolerance for defensive softness.
> “We’re not here to experiment. We’re here to win,” said Cowboys Executive VP Stephen Jones in a fiery press briefing. “Gilmore knows our system. He’s a leader. And he’s not here for a farewell tour—he’s here to compete.”
Behind the Scenes: The Pressure Was Mounting
Sources inside the Cowboys’ training facility confirm that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer had been quietly pushing for Gilmore’s return since OTAs. With multiple secondary pieces either unproven or injured, Zimmer reportedly told the Jones family:
> “You either bring back the vet, or you better find someone to cover A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel this fall.”
That internal pressure aligned with one harsh reality: Dallas isn’t rebuilding—Dallas is chasing a ring.
The Final Push
Negotiations accelerated this past weekend after several league insiders revealed that the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs had also made soft inquiries about Gilmore. That set off alarms in Dallas. Within 24 hours, a deal was structured and signed.
What This Means for Camp
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. With the team set to report to Oxnard on July 15, Gilmore is expected to arrive early and participate in Day 1 drills. He’ll immediately plug into a defense that includes Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, and a recovering Diggs.
Suddenly, the Cowboys’ secondary has gone from worrisome to war-ready.
NFL World Reacts
Skip Bayless: “This is a championship-caliber signing. Dallas just went from decent to dangerous.”
DeAngelo Hall: “Gilmore’s still got it. And he’s not coming to ride the bench.”
NFL on FOX: “Cowboys officially going all in on 2025.”