After an offseason full of drama, the Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback Daron Bland is seeking a new contract extension and is hoping to get one before the 2025 regular season. According to a report, the cornerback wants a new deal, but didn’t want to get too much into it, given the Micah Parsons situation. Unfortunately, there’s no realistic path for Dallas to extend every single talent on their roster, and since they’ve been giving Parsons a hard time, the Cowboys might be better off trading him. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Fresno State product is coming off a down year last season after earning a Pro Bowl in 2023.
Bland and cornerback Trevon Diggs are both fighting to maintain their starting roles in Dallas, but they’re likely to let Bland play out his final year to see what type of performance he can put up this upcoming campaign. After giving Diggs a long-term contract in 2023, it’s no wonder that Dallas is waiting. However, if the Cowboys endure another disastrous season led by quarterback Dak Prescott, they could listen to offers this campaign to send Bland to a contender for at least a solid draft pick. It shouldn’t be surprising if teams are looking into Bland before the regular season, so here are some possible next teams for the cornerback.
Cowboys All-Pro Daron Bland Seeking Contract Extension – Could Trade Him Instead
Best Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Between Jaire Alexander, Marlon Humphrey and 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins, the Baltimore Ravens probably have one of the most loaded cornerback rooms in the league. Even though the team signing Chidobe Awuzie was one of the worst, they could always trade for another cornerback late into the season, just like they did with Tre’Davious White last year. There’s no such thing as too many cornerbacks for the Ravens since they want to have the best defense when you’re going up against quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. Bland might not get first-team reps, but at least he could be a part of one of the most ferocious secondaries.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers could use some additional depth in their secondary despite signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste. 2024 draft pick Cam Hart is likely to step up, but why should the Chargers risk it when you can trade for a reliable cornerback? Bland might not outbeat Hart one-on-one for the starting job, but it gives Hart some breathing room in reps.
New Orleans Saints
Despite having a promising safety unit, the same can’t be said about the New Orleans Saints’ cornerback room. They can’t expect to rely on Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry to make all of their plays, so they need someone who can be a viable replacement since departing from Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. Bland might be able to take Taylor’s job and bring this secondary unit back to life.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers heavily invested in their defense this offseason after signing Tre’Von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown. However, they could use an upgrade in the cornerback slot. Michael Jackson and Jaycee Horn are coming back on new deals, but Bland is a reliable corner who could boost the unit.
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