“Really just wanna thank God for the opportunity. Where I come from, a lot of people don’t get this opportunity to be here and do what I do, so I just wanna thank God for it.”
Powerful words from Dallas Cowboys CB DaRon Bland, who signed a massive extension with the team on Saturday night. It’s a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million in guarantees. The $22.5 million in average annual value ranks sixth among cornerbacks league-wide, just behind Patrick Surtain II and just ahead of A.J. Terrell and Denzel Ward. It’s more per year than his partner in the Cowboys’ secondary, Trevon Diggs, makes.
“A blessing just to be here, and be healthy,” Bland said on what his offseason’s been like. “Having last year being out so many games, and being my first time being hurt. So it’s a blessing to be here.”
DaRon Bland on What Signing With the Dallas Cowboys Long-Term Means to Him
Richard Rodriguez/GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: DaRon Bland #26 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
“Kinda surprised and kinda just a little bit dumbfounded. Can’t believe it,” Bland said on what his initial reaction was. He agreed that it meant his roots in Dallas just grew deeper. “Yeah, it changes a little bit. Now I can really call it home.”
He went on to say it’s a relief to have this deal done now, before the season begins. “Well yeah, it was mostly my agent and the Cowboys communicating. [The extension is] always something you gotta to have in the back of the mind, just a little bit — it’s the last year of my contract, so it was always gonna be in the back of my head.”
When asked what he learned though all this, Bland said: “I would say: just being patient and just learning to grow. Having that mindset and that where I was at that point wasn’t where I was gonna be at the endpoint. So keep driving each day, take it day by day.”
DaRon Bland is One of the Best Cornerbacks in the NFL
The Cowboys have arguably the best cornerback tandem in the NFL between Bland and Diggs. Bland, in particular, has been phenomenal over the last few years. Originally a fifth-round pick out of Fresno State in the 2022 draft, was an immediate starter for Dallas, notching 54 tackles, five interceptions, and seven passes defensed as a rookie. His true breakout came in 2023, when he had 69 tackles, nine interceptions, and 15 passes defensed, including five defensive touchdowns. Bland was named first-team All-Pro that year.
Though he only played in seven games a year ago due to various injuries, he’s back and healthier than ever for the 2025 season. Expectations are high for the Cowboys, even considering the Micah Parsons trade, and Bland is a big part of that.
With him and Diggs back out on the field together, the Cowboys have their cornerback tandem of the future.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post DaRon Bland Opens Up on Huge Contract Extension appeared first on Heavy Sports.