How will bombshell NFC East trades impact the Commanders in 2023?

Commanders have the firepower to offset Stephon Gilmore

Few have provided more accomplished cornerback production than Stephon Gilmore over the last decade. Despite brief stays with the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts over the last two seasons, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year remains an elite shutdown presence that could be the Dallas Cowboys’ missing piece on their already potent defense.

Gilmore gave up just 54.9 percent of targets in 2022 and a 73.9 passer rating. The one-time South Carolina standout conceded 6.8 yards per attempt and was a hugely influential figure on and off the field.

While this makes things more difficult for the Washington Commanders, they have more than enough firepower to offset Gilmore’s arrival in the NFC East. Terry McLaurin gave the cornerback a hard time in 2022 when going up against each other, which is a positive ahead of their two matchups next season.

Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, and perhaps even Dyami Brown will help. It’s also worth remembering that the Commanders’ offense is being spearheaded by Eric Bieniemy – one of the shrewdest minds in the business who’ll have full control.

This is a tremendous addition for the Cowboys – there’s no getting away from that. But the Commanders have more than enough in their locker at the skill positions if quarterback Sam Howell meets his end of the bargain.