The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to trade cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round compensatory pick in the 2023 NFL draft, per multiple reports Tuesday.
Even though Gilmore was one of the stars of the defense despite a tumultuous season on the opposite side of the ball, the Colts needed to clear some salary-cap space this offseason.
The news was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Another big trade! The #Colts are sending five-time Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore to the #Cowboys for a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick, sources tell me and @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/K1LN0oit7L
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023
The trade, which doesn’t become official until Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, will clear $9.9 million in salary-cap space.
Despite being a shining star for the Colts in just his one season, it’s clear there was going to be no future here in the Circle City, especially since he’s going into a contract year.
In 16 games (all starts), Gilmore recorded 66 tackles (53 solo), two interceptions and 11 passes defended. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a 63.4% completion rate on 82 targets and an 82.6 passer rating in coverage.
With Gilmore gone, the Colts are extremely thin at the cornerback position. Pending free-agent Brandon Facyson agreed to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders while both Kenny Moore II, who also is a trade candidate, and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. are entering contract seasons.
Suffice it to say, the Colts are going to revamp the entire cornerback position this offseason.
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