The other top-tier veteran cornerback that the Cowboys could pursue in a trade

Stephon Gilmore is clearly unhappy with his current situation in New England. The four-time All-Pro corner is without a new contract, and is subsequently AWOL from the team’s activites as he awaits the new deal he so desperately desires.

“I just want what I’m worth, however that plays out,” Gilmore told Josina Anderson this past week.

“Every player should be paid what they’re worth. That’s just how it is. I just know what I bring to the table and my style of play. Right now I’m just trying to focus on myself and make sure I’m good mentally and physically.”

According to Sports Illustrated, rumors swirled about Dallas possibly having a conversation with New England on a deal centered around Gilmore’s services in the moments heading up to the draft. The site was unable to confirm these rumors, but that hasn’t stopped news outlets from contemplating the possibility of a trade to the Cowboys.

Dallas had corner high on its list of priorities heading into the draft, and listed top-flight prospects like Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn as blue-chip recruits. But as the squad’s 10th overall pick drew nearer, the team was not going to get Surtain and Horn and they made a trade, but not for Gilmore. Instead, they dropped down a couple of spots and picked up linebacker Micah Parsons.

Dallas then bolstered its secondary brigade with a couple of additions at corner in Kelvin Joseph and Nahson Wright. Despite the improvements to its defensive back platoon, corner remains a need for Dan Quinn’s regime, and Gilmore is still without a new contract in New England.

Which, according to several reports, is not a chief concern for head coach Bill Belichick at this point. The two are caught up in a waiting game of cat-and-mouse, both seeking out a break in stagnancy as each fights for a leg up in the battle.

Gilmore is fresh off a season-ending partially torn quad that required offseason surgery, and will likely want a salary that is commensurate with the other top corners in the league. That would fall in the $16 to $20 million range per year that players like Jalen Ramsey, Marlon Humphrey, Tre’Davious White and others are making.

Dallas is one team that can certainly use a veteran presence at corner, and a top-tier talent like Gilmore suiting up for them. The real inflection point is coming up as training camps get underway. If Gilmore holds out, then the Patriots will have to make a decision. Either hold fast and fine Gilmore, or start negotiations on a short-term extension, or start looking for a trade partner.

So, should the Cowboys be picking up the phone with questions for New England’s camp regarding Gilmore?