Like a batter waiting for the perfect pitch to hit, Stephon Gilmore is taking his time when it comes to free agency. The veteran cornerback and 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year said while he plans to continue playing, he’s not in any rush when it comes to picking his next team.

Gilmore, 33, recently spent the past one-plus seasons with the Cowboys after he was traded from Indianapolis during the 2022 season. He was not re-signed by Dallas this offseason despite picking off two passes, breaking up 13 more and starting in each of the Cowboys’ 17 regular-season games.

Gilmore recently conveyed his focus on continuing to play football but underscored the importance of finding the right opportunity. He noted that age might be a factor in his current situation, suggesting that if he were younger, he might have already secured a contract.

However, he remains confident in the value he brings to a team, citing his consistent performance over the past two years. Despite waiting patiently, Gilmore hinted at the possibility of seeking a more lucrative offer.

Despite his age and recent shoulder injury, he still sees himself as an elite player. The speculation about a reunion with the Panthers has been circulating, but there hasn’t been significant progress on that front.

The central question remains whether Gilmore will compromise on his terms to secure a deal or continue waiting for the right opportunity. This decision is expected to unfold in the period leading up to the start of training camp..