It feels like the Dallas Cowboys are starting to get backed into a corner with some of their looming contract decisions. After already giving out large extensions to Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb, many players behind them will also demand high AAV contracts.
The drama behind Micah Parsons and his upcoming contract decision has been well-documented, but at least that seems like it’s just a matter of time before Parsons and team owner Jerry Jones figure out the right numbers. However, for other players that are entering free agency soon, like DaRon Bland, it will either be the Cowboys to dish out an extension, or another NFL franchise that will be glad to pay for Bland’s services.
Bland Has Been One of the Best Cornerbacks When on the Field
Bland has just one year remaining on his rookie contract, and he’s entering a prove-it type season. After nine interceptions during the 2023 season, when he was named an All-Pro, Bland could not intercept any passes last season. However, he dealt with injuries that led to him playing just seven games. His 2023 season was one of the best of all time out of a defensive back after he returned five of his nine interceptions for touchdowns. No doubt the injury held Bland back last season, which was an utter failure for the Dallas Cowboys. But if Bland wants to get paid, he will have to produce a little bit more this season if he’s on the field.
Despite missing 10 games last season, Bland was still productive in terms of coverage grade. Now he enters a contract season with a chance to prove and solidify himself as one of the top corners in the NFL.
Bland Predicted to Receive a Big Contract
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder named Daron Bland as one of five cornerbacks that are set to get paid after Sauce Gardner’s hefty extension:
“Unlike the majority of cornerbacks featured here, DaRon Bland wasn’t a hot commodity coming out of college. His first four years were spent at the FCS level (Sacramento State) before transferring to Fresno State for the 2021 campaign.”
“As a result, he was a lesser-known draft prospect and wasn’t taken by the Dallas Cowboys until the fifth round.”
“However, the former Bulldog’s ball skills were apparent right out of the gates, logging five interceptions in 17 games with eight starts as a rookie.”
“He kept that momentum going the following year, leading the league with nine picks and setting an NFL record by returning five of them for touchdowns. That resulted in a first-team All-Pro selection and an invite to the Pro Bowl. Not bad for a guy who only spent one year at the FBS level in college.”
“Unfortunately, an injury during training camp forced Bland to miss the first 10 games of 2024 and prevented him from continuing to build on the momentum from the two previous seasons.”
If Bland can continue to showcase his ability to cover any wideout on the field, he will force the Dallas Cowboys’ hand in free agency after the 2025 season ends, and while he likley won’t get a $120 million extension like the New York Jets’ Gardner did, he could secure a nice payday, and a potential future with the Cowboys.
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