DaRon Bland Named Cowboys' Most Overpaid Player Entering 2026

The Dallas Cowboys extended the cornerback despite concerns over his recent performance and durability.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have signed cornerback DaRon Bland to a four-year, $92 million contract extension, making him the team's most overpaid player heading into the 2026 NFL season. Bland had a breakout 2023 campaign with 9 interceptions and 5 defensive touchdowns, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play over the past two seasons. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon named Bland the Cowboys' most overpaid player, citing his lack of turnovers and durability issues despite the lucrative new deal.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' decision to extend Bland despite his recent struggles raises questions about the team's personnel evaluation and contract management. As they look to rebuild their defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, the Bland contract could become a burden if he fails to return to his 2023 form.

The details

After trading star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys used some of that salary cap space to sign guard Tyler Smith to a four-year, $96 million extension and lock up Bland on a four-year, $92 million deal. Bland's average annual salary of $23 million per year would be a steal if he played like he did in 2023, when he led the NFL with 9 interceptions and 5 defensive touchdowns. However, he has just 1 interception over the past two seasons and has missed significant time due to injuries, playing in only 7 games in 2024 and 12 last season.

  • In 2023, Bland led the NFL with 9 interceptions and 5 defensive touchdowns.
  • Over the past two seasons, Bland has just 1 interception and has missed significant time due to injuries, playing in only 7 games in 2024 and 12 last season.

The players

DaRon Bland

A cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys who signed a four-year, $92 million contract extension despite concerns over his recent performance and durability.

Micah Parsons

A star linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who was traded to the Green Bay Packers.

Tyler Smith

A guard for the Dallas Cowboys who signed a four-year, $96 million extension.

Quinnen Williams

A defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys who was also named as an overpaid player by Bleacher Report.

Kenny Clark

A defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys who was also named as an overpaid player by Bleacher Report.

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What they’re saying

“Bland is the clear-cut winner.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report writer

“The 2022 fifth-round pick has one good season under his belt, but that was enough to earn him a four-year, $90 million deal. He's missed significant time while being consistently rocked in coverage when on the field the last two seasons, all as the sixth-highest-paid corner in the sport.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report writer

What’s next

The Cowboys are hoping that new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can help Bland return to his 2023 form. If Bland is unable to bounce back, the team may regret signing him to the lucrative extension.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' decision to extend Bland despite his recent struggles raises questions about the team's personnel evaluation and contract management. The Bland contract could become a burden if he fails to return to his 2023 form, highlighting the risks of overpaying players based on a single standout season.