Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency in the NFL is well underway, with teams across the league making moves to bolster their rosters. However, amidst the flurry of signings and trades, the Dallas Cowboys have stood out for their cautious approach to spending.

While Jerry and Stephen Jones may suggest that financial constraints limit their ability to bring in new talent, this narrative doesn’t align with reality.

Despite the Cowboys’ conservative spending, fans have remained hopeful that key players like Stephon Gilmore would be retained.

While the team has been criticized for its reluctance to invest in external free agents, they have shown a tendency to re-sign those they bring in, such as Malik Hooker, Johnathan Hankins, and Jayron Kearse. Even Brandin Cooks saw his contract reworked after being acquired via trade with the Texans, ensuring his continued presence on the team.

As the offseason progresses, the likelihood of Gilmore returning to Dallas in 2024 seems increasingly slim. Recent developments, such as Jadeveon Clowney’s signing with the Panthers, suggest that Gilmore may have his sights set elsewhere.

Both Gilmore and Clowney hail from Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Gilmore has expressed a desire to join his former teammate in Carolina.

While the Panthers may not be the final destination for either player, Gilmore’s apparent interest in reuniting with Clowney casts doubt on his return to Dallas.

Despite Stephen Jones leaving the door open for Gilmore’s return, the player’s social media activity tells a different story.

Gilmore’s recent endorsement of a tweet criticizing Dallas Cowboys frugal approach suggests lingering dissatisfaction with the team’s handling of his contract negotiations. This sentiment is compounded by Gilmore’s own statements about having unfinished business in Dallas and his belief in the team’s championship potential, making his potential departure all the more disappointing for Cowboys fans.

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