Stephon Gilmore Emerges from Retirement to Bolster Cowboys’ Secondary in 2025

Published: May 17, 2025

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have welcomed back a familiar face to their secondary, as former All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore announced his return from retirement on May 17, 2025, signing a one-year deal to contribute to the team’s 2025 campaign, sources told ESPN. The 13-year veteran, who briefly retired in February 2025 after a season away from the NFL, aims to fortify a Cowboys defense in dire need of depth at cornerback.

Gilmore, 34, last played for the Cowboys in 2023, starting all 17 games and recording 68 tackles, 13 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble, helping the team secure the NFC East title with a 12-5 record. His veteran presence was crucial after Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL, showcasing Gilmore’s ability to step up in high-pressure situations. “Stephon’s leadership and playmaking were invaluable,” said GM Jerry Jones. “We’re thrilled to have him back.”

The Cowboys’ secondary has been a concern heading into 2025. Diggs remains sidelined while recovering from knee surgery, rookie Shavon Revel is rehabbing an ACL injury, and Jourdan Lewis departed to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite trading for Kaiir Elam from the Buffalo Bills, the unit lacks a proven CB2 to complement DaRon Bland, who led the team with 9 interceptions in 2023. Gilmore’s return addresses this gap, bringing experience and stability.

Gilmore, a 2019 Defensive Player of the Year with the Patriots, boasts 141 career pass breakups and 31 interceptions across 171 games. His 2023 stint with Dallas proved he can still perform at a high level, earning a PFF coverage grade of 81.2. However, some scouts question his speed at this stage, noting a 4.53-second 40-yard dash in recent workouts, slower than his prime. Still, his instincts and physicality remain elite, as evidenced by his 15 tackles for loss over his career.

“I’ve got unfinished business in Dallas,” Gilmore told reporters. “I want to help this team win a Super Bowl and mentor the young guys.” His return aligns with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ aggressive scheme, which emphasizes man coverage and blitzing.

Fans on X erupted with excitement, one posting, “Gilmore’s back? Our secondary just got a major upgrade!” Analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised the move, saying, “He’s a low-risk, high-reward signing. Gilmore can still lock down receivers.” With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens leading the offense, Gilmore’s veteran grit could propel the Cowboys past rivals like the Eagles at AT&T Stadium in their quest for Super Bowl LX.