Stephen Gilmore’s run with the Colts lasted only one season.
Indianapolis has traded the five-time Pro Bowl cornerback and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year to the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round compensatory pick, a source confirmed to the Indy Star. NFL Network first reported the news.
The Colts would receive pick No. 176, one of the Cowboys’ two compensatory fifth-rounders. This gives the Colts the third pick in the round after they acquired one from the Bills in the Nyhem Hines trade last fall.
Gilmore, 32, signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Colts last season. The trade took away $9.9 million over the salary cap this season, giving the Colts some more relief during the first week of free agency.
Gilmore signed with Indianapolis because he wanted to join a contender, and the Colts had recently signed quarterback Matt Ryan in what looked like a competitive window. Ryan failed in Indianapolis, and the team went 4–12–1, resulting in the firing of Frank Reich at midseason.
Gilmore still had a strong season, starting 16 games and intercepting two passes as the Colts’ top outside corner. He sealed the victories over the Chiefs, Broncos and Raiders with pass break-ups on the final possession. He was a constant resource in the defensive back room helping young players.
But as Indianapolis is in a transition period with new coach Shane Steichen and will likely have a rookie quarterback, the Colts front office found value in resetting the top cornerback position. Now, Gilmore moves to another contender in the Cowboys, who are out of the AFC East title and must field a strong team again with Dak Prescott in his prime.
Business creates some immediate and long term needs. Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. are among the starting cornerbacks left and both are in contract years. The Colts let part-time starter Brandon Faison walk as a free agent for the Raiders this offseason, whittling down the roster to a point where both veteran signings and draft picks should be on the table.
Contact Colts insider Nate Atkins at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on the Indianapolis Star: Colts trade Stephen Gilmore to Cowboys