Cowboys Lock Up DaRon Bland with $92M Million-Dollar Extension

DaRon Bland signs a multimillion-dollar extension with the Dallas Cowboys

In a strategic move, the Dallas Cowboys have secured the permanence of their outstanding cornerback DaRon Bland with a four-year contract extension for $92 million, according to sources close to the team. The agreement includes a guaranteed sum of $50 million, with a signing bonus of $22 million. The news arrives just two days after the Cowboys made a significant trade, sending the renowned player Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Bland, known for his skill in the field, set a record in the NFL in 2023, by converting five of his nine interceptions, the most in the league, into touchdowns. Last season, he was limited to seven games due to a left foot injury that required surgery, and he didn’t achieve any interceptions.

He has incredible skills with the ball, but I also think he has incredible instincts,” commented coach Brian Schottenheimer. “His ability to study the game and his knowledge of it for a young, relatively young player, are amazing.

Brian Schottenheimer

Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, Bland led the Cowboys in interceptions in his rookie season, with five. After finalizing the agreement, Bland contacted his mother, recalling his journey since the draft.

Not many fifth-round players get the opportunity that I’ve had and be in this deal and be able to do what I do,” Bland expressed. “So I’m grateful for the opportunity to be out there.

DaRon Bland

Negotiations between the Cowboys and Bland’s agent took place during training camp, so this agreement is not directly related to Parsons’ transfer. Bland considered it fundamental to close the deal before the season, to avoid distractions. Now, with the contract in hand, Bland focuses on his role on the team, especially with the return of Trevon Diggs, who is recovering from a knee injury. There is a possibility that Bland will play in the nickel position in passing situations. This extension gives you a “new motivation” to keep going, according to Bland. Before this agreement, Bland was scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season.

This is the second player from the 2022 draft class that the Cowboys extend their contract this offseason, following in the footsteps of tight end Jake Ferguson, who signed a four-year, $52 million deal in July.

The team has also held conversations with left guard Tyler Smith, who is under contract through 2026.