The Dallas Cowboys are using the cap space freed up by trading Micah Parsons to bring in other top defensive talent.
In a major move last Thursday, Dallas sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. He then signed a four-year, $186 million extension. According to Patrik Walker from the team’s official site, the trade saved the Cowboys around $24 million in cap space.
They didn’t waste much time putting that money to work. On Sunday, the Cowboys signed fourth-year cornerback DaRon Bland to a four-year, $92 million deal, with $50 million guaranteed (per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport). The deal makes Bland the sixth-highest-paid cornerback in the league—but the question remains: is he worth it?
Bland, now 26, had a historic 2023 season, breaking the NFL record with five pick-sixes in a single year (across 17 games). However, his performance dipped in 2024 following a foot injury suffered during training camp. In just seven games, he failed to record an interception and gave up a passer rating of 105.7—the worst of his career, according to Pro Football Reference.
Despite the down year, Bland’s 14 interceptions over his first three seasons may have convinced the Cowboys he’s more than just a one-season wonder. Rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized Bland’s importance to the team’s secondary.
“He’s a huge, huge piece for us,” Schottenheimer said Sunday. “He has incredible ball skills and instincts. … DaRon always has the ability to process things quickly.”
Still, betting big on a player after just one elite season carries significant risk.
The bigger question is: why extend Bland—who may be regressing—instead of keeping Parsons, a generational defensive talent? In four seasons with Dallas, the former 12th overall pick racked up 52.5 sacks.
For this move to pay off, Bland needs to return to his All-Pro form from 2023. Otherwise, the Cowboys risk squandering one of the few benefits they gained from parting with Parsons.
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