Stephen GilmoreRunning with the Colts lasted one season.
A source confirmed to the Indy Star that Indianapolis has traded the five-time Pro Bowl and 2019 Defensive Player of the Year to the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round compensatory pick. NFL Network first reported the news.
The Colts would receive the 176th pick, the last of the Cowboys’ compensatory fifth round. It gives the Colts their third pick in the round after they acquired one from the Bills in a Nyheim Hines trade last fall.
Gilmour, 32, signed with the Colts last season to a two-year, $20 million deal. The trade netted $9.9 million in salary cap money this season, giving the Colts more breathing room during their first week of free agency.
Gilmour signed with Indianapolis because he wanted to join a competitor, and the Colts recently acquired quarterback Matt Ryan in what looked like a competing window. Ryan didn’t make it out at Indianapolis, and the team went 4-12-1 amid a slew of issues that led to Frank Reich being fired mid-season.
Gilmour still had a solid season, starting 16 games and intercepting two passes as the colts’ top outside linebacker. He picked up wins over the Chiefs, Broncos, and Raiders by cutting off passes on final possession. He has been a resource that constantly helps the younger players in the defensive back room.
But with Indianapolis going through a transitional period with new head coach Shane Station and what is likely to be a rookie quarterback, the Colts front office has found value in reassigning him to the top linebacker position. Now, Gilmore heads to another contender in the Cowboys, who took home the AFC East title, and should field a strong team once again with Dak Prescott in his prime.
Trade creates some immediate and long-term needs. Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. are left among the key players and both are in contract years. The Colts also let part-time starter Brandon Facyson walk over to the Raiders this offseason as a free agent, dropping the roster to a point where they both need to be on the table.
Contact Colts Insider Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on the Indianapolis Star: Colts trade Stephon Gilmore with the Cowboys
