Football team the Cowboys secure the services of All-Pro CB DaRon Bland, preventing a second departure by linebacker Micah Parsons before the commencement of Week 1.
Dallas Cowboys Cornerback DaRon Bland Secures $92 Million Extension
The Dallas Cowboys have locked down one of their key defensive players, cornerback DaRon Bland, with a four-year, $92 million extension. The deal ranks Bland sixth in the NFL among corners in average per year salary at $23 million.
Bland's impressive performance over the past few seasons has earned him this lucrative contract. Since 2022, he has amassed 14 interceptions, tied for the second-most in the NFL in the span of his career. In the 2023 season, he moved to outside corner and had a league-leading nine interceptions, including five pick-sixes.
Despite his success, Bland remains uncertain about his long-term position, having moved between nickel and outside corner in previous seasons. However, his ability to play both roles provides the Cowboys with versatility and multiplicity.
The Cowboys acquired Kaiir Elam, a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2023, in a trade this offseason. Elam is more suited to play on the outside, which could see Bland returning to the nickel corner position.
Bland's approach to contract negotiations was similar to that of his teammate, Dak Prescott. He deferred negotiations to his agent, allowing them to handle communication with the Cowboys. This strategy seems to have paid off, as the extension prevents a potential headache in contract negotiations.
The Cowboys will face a tough challenge in their 2025 NFL season opener, with the Super Bowl LIX champion Eagles as their opponents. Bland's steady play and leadership will undoubtedly be crucial in this matchup.
Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore played opposite Bland as the other outside corner in 2023 during Bland's breakout All-Pro season. Bland's performance earned him praise from his teammates, with Dak Prescott expressing pride in Bland and calling him a leader who leads by actions, not words.
Bland missed 10 games last season due to a stress fracture but provided steady play in coverage in a rocky, injury-plagued 7-10 campaign. His teammates can now approach both Prescott and Bland about how to navigate extension talks with the Jones family, providing valuable insight for future negotiations.
Interestingly, Chicago Bears nickel corner Kyler Gordon, who re-signed on a three-year, $40 million contract in 2024, is the NFL's highest-paid slot corner. However, his $13.3 average per year salary ranks 21st among all cornerbacks around the league, highlighting the significant value that Bland brings to the Cowboys.
Bland was reportedly "dumbfounded" upon seeing the final terms of his new contract. Despite this, he is comfortable with positional chaos, having dealt with it throughout his career. With this extension, Bland is now secured in the cornerback position for the Cowboys for the foreseeable future.
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