Cowboys' Stephon Gilmore plot thickens after cryptic social media activity

Sep 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21)
Sep 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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The Dallas Cowboys have done almost everything wrong in free agency. Even though Stephon Gilmore is still available and is on the record saying he has unfinished business in Dallas and wants to come back, the Cowboys are reportedly kicking the tires on signing one of Ezekiel Elliott or Dalvin cook.

Not only are Dallas' priorities mixed up, but they're interested in the wrong running backs. It's encouraging, though, that Gilmore still hasn't been signed but his market has evolved as we reach the end of the second week of the free agent frenzy.

That should light a fire under the Cowboys to get a deal done. However, executive vice president Stephen Jones is anything but incentivized to sign Gilmore. At the league meetings in Orlando, Jones gave a long-winded answer about Gilmore and all but ruled out a reunion with the 33-year-old.

It's unclear if Gilmore and Dallas have kept in touch, but Gilmore's latest social media activity suggests he's not impressed by the front office. Gilmore liked a tweet that praised Rams leadership for LA's quick turnaround after they went all-in to win a Super Bowl three years ago.

The tweet was a (deserved) dig at Jerry and Stephen Jones.

Stephon Gilmore likes tweet that was critical of the Cowboys front office

Doesn't that say it all?

Just this offseason, the Rams have re-signed guard Kevin Dotson and signed guard Jonah Jackson to fortify their offensive line. They also landed veteran cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tre'Davious White to strengthen their biggest weakness, and inked underrated safety Kamren Curl to a steal of a contract.

The Rams weren't as active last March, but they also hit a home run in the 2023 draft despite not having a first-round pick. They hit on OG Steve Avila, DE Byron Young, DT Kobie Turner and WR Puka Nucua. That obviously helps expedite a post-Super Bowl turnaround, but like the tweet said: good front offices figure it out.

Meanwhile, Jerry and Stephen Jones continue blaming the cap and looming extensions for stars as reasons they aren't spending money. The Rams have big money tied to Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald (now retired) and multiple offensive linemen. And yet, they've managed to navigate the cap and upgrade the roster.

Of course Gilmore has noticed the stark comparison between the Rams and Cowboys. How could he not? The Rams have turned the page following their Super Bowl and are currently better positioned than Dallas to win another because GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay know what they're doing.

That wasn't meant as a shot at McCarthy. He's far from the problem. This falls squarely on the Joneses shoulders.

Does Gilmore's Twitter activity rule out a return to the Cowboys? We'll find out eventually, but Jones' aforementioned quote doesn't bode well. The fact Gilmore was in Dallas for one season and already sees how inept the front office is a sad summation of just how bad it really is.

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