5 nightmare scenarios for Cowboys in 2023 season and how to avoid them

3. Age catches up with Stephon Gilmore

The Cowboys front office made a shrewd trade to acquire Gilmore for the modest price of a fifth-round draft pick. He isn’t the All-Pro level cornerback he was during his athletic prime, but he’s still playing like a high-level starter even as he approaches his age-33 season.

The league is littered with cornerbacks who have seen their performances decline precipitously after hitting the magical age of 30. Dallas knows that Gilmore has bucked that trend to date, but he won’t manage to defy Father Time forever. It’s reasonable to assume his performance will decline in 2023 due to age.

The key question for Dallas is just how much worse Gilmore might play. As long as he plays like an above-average No. 2 cornerback the Cowboys secondary should play at a high level. If he becomes a below-average option then the delicate balance of the team’s defensive back room could fall apart.

The good news for the Cowboys is that they can limit Gilmore’s snap count during the regular season. Former third-round pick Nashon Wright is behind him on the depth chart and should soak up snaps whenever Gilmore needs rest. Playing Gilmore too many meaningless snaps will hasten his age-related regression. Limiting his exposure should be a priority for Dallas in 2023.