Stephon Gilmore among Cowboys' top free agents on defense - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer acknowledged he is inheriting a good unit after Dan Quinn's three-year run calling the shots.

He has Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, DeMarcus Lawrence and DaRon Bland, but the Cowboys also have key players set to become free agents and a tricky salary cap situation that will make it difficult to keep the players they want.

Of the 16 players set to become free agents, eight are on the defensive side of the ball and seven played key roles either as a starter or role player.

Here is a look at the defensive players, as well as the two special teamers, with expiring contracts:

CB Stephon Gilmore

There is no question the Cowboys would like him to return, and he has mentioned he wants to return. The question — like everything — will be price. He made $10 million last year. Would he take much less to return? Would another team offer him more? He turns 34 in September but keeps himself in top shape. He had two interceptions and 13 pass breakups last season. He is excellent in the locker room for a defense that needs a veteran presence.

CB Jourdan Lewis

His return from a serious injury that essentially required his right foot to be realigned was nothing short of phenomenal. He was named the Cowboys' winner of the Ed Block Courage Award. He had 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries and a team-high 3 forced fumbles in the 2023 season. He is tough. He can blitz off the slot, which is key in Zimmer's defense. With the ascension of Bland and the return of Diggs (knee), the Cowboys would need a slot corner, especially if they are unable to keep Gilmore, which would move Bland to the slot. Lewis has been a valuable if underappreciated part of the