FRISCO – With training camp on the horizon, veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore remains a free agent, but the former Dallas Cowboy isn’t done yet as he eyes a 14th NFL season.

“I want to play this year,” Gilmore said on The Money Down podcast. “It’s got to be the right situation. You know what I’m saying? It’s got to be the right situation for me. You know what I’m saying? I’m not just going to sign anywhere, so it’s got to be the right situation.”I still love the game. I still can contribute. It’s just got to be the right place.”

Gilmore will turn 35 in September and played 15 games for the Vikings in 2024, recording an interception, nine pass breakups and 56 tackles.

The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year visited the Cowboys’ facility in April, but the team addressed the cornerback position in the draft by selecting East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round.

Nevertheless, with Trevon Diggs slated to spend more time rehabbing, Cowboys fans do seem to be waiting for big news with “Gilly.”

And in terms of smart DFW media people? The idea continues to be broached. The all-but prediction continues to be made.

From The Athletic’s Jon Machota: “If the Cowboys are to make another notable roster move between now and the season opener, cornerback is the best bet … So a spot was left open at the position. 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.”

Although his last Pro Bowl appearance came in 2021, Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. With 173 career starts, he remains a veteran leader and a durable asset capable of contributing to any NFL secondary.

What would be the right situation for the future Hall of Famer?

Ideally, Gilmore would join a Super Bowl-contending team that could benefit from his leadership and allow him to mentor a young group of defensive backs—say, the Cincinnati Bengals?

With experience, production, and leadership still in his toolkit, Gilmore could be the missing piece for a contender looking to solidify its secondary ahead of a championship run. … and yes, at some point after the start of training camp, that could in theory happen with Dallas.