Cowboys Invite Super Bowl Champ to Training Camp for Comeback Bid

Dallas, TX – July 12, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys have extended an invitation to former Super Bowl champion cornerback Stephon Gilmore to join their 2025 Training Camp as a tryout player, aiming to bolster depth at a vulnerable secondary position, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday. The move signals a strategic effort to strengthen the defensive backfield as the team targets a Super Bowl LX resurgence.

Gilmore, a 34-year-old veteran who earned a Super Bowl LIII ring with the New England Patriots in 2019, brings a wealth of experience to a Cowboys secondary that struggled in 2024, ranking 25th in pass defense (252.3 yards allowed per game, per NFL.com). Unsigned since his release from the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025, Gilmore’s 2019 Defensive Player of the Year award and 29 career interceptions, including 3 in 2024 with the Vikings, make him a compelling addition. The Cowboys, seeking to address depth concerns behind starters Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, see Gilmore as a potential mentor and competitor.

The invitation follows a season where the Cowboys’ secondary was exposed, allowing 28 passing touchdowns and a 66.8% completion rate against (web:0). With DaRon Bland sidelined by a foot injury in late 2024 and Caelen Carson’s rookie inconsistency (web:12), the team lacks reliable backups. Gilmore’s 4,868 coverage snaps and 2024 PFF grade of 71.3 highlight his reliability, per Pro-Football-Reference, offering a stabilizing presence. “Stephon’s a proven winner—we’re excited to see what he can bring,” GM Jerry Jones said, leveraging the team’s $32 million cap space to explore this low-risk move.

Gilmore, who recorded 45 tackles and 3 interceptions in 2024, expressed enthusiasm on his X account: “Ready to compete and help this defense get back to the top.” His experience could challenge young cornerbacks like Markquese Bell and Israel Mukuamu, who’ve shown promise but lack polish (web:5). Coach Brian Schottenheimer noted, “Gilmore’s leadership could elevate our DB room,” aligning with the team’s 7-10 season recovery plan.

Fans on social media are buzzing, with posts found on X like “Gilmore to the rescue!” and “Secondary depth finally!” The Cowboys’ secondary depth was a weak link in their Wild Card exit, and Gilmore’s Super Bowl pedigree—coupled with his 2023 stint mentoring younger players in Indianapolis—offers hope. Training Camp begins July 21, and his tryout could reshape the roster.

With Dak Prescott’s 4,516-yard 2024 season depending on a stout defense, Gilmore’s potential return ignites Super Bowl LX aspirations. Can this veteran spark a turnaround, or will his age limit his impact? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.