Dallas Cowboys Sign HBCU Standout Cobie Durant

The Cowboys continue to build their HBCU pipeline with the addition of the former South Carolina State cornerback.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:21pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have signed former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant, an HBCU standout from South Carolina State, to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. Durant was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and had a standout 2021 season, including two interceptions against Clemson. He joins other HBCU players Isaiah Land and Markquese Bell on the Cowboys' defense as they look to rebound from a tough 2025 season.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have a history of supporting HBCU football programs, and the addition of Durant continues that legacy. HBCU players often face an uphill battle to get noticed by NFL teams, so the Cowboys' commitment to recruiting talent from these schools is significant.

The details

Durant was a standout cornerback at South Carolina State, culminating in a Cricket Celebration Bowl victory in 2021. That season, he finished with 38 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions, including two against Clemson. His performance drew national attention and boosted his NFL Draft stock. Now, he joins the Cowboys on a one-year, $5.5 million deal, where he will look to contribute to the team's defensive efforts alongside fellow HBCU players Isaiah Land and Markquese Bell.

  • In the 2021 season, Durant had 38 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions for South Carolina State.
  • Durant was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
  • Durant signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2026.

The players

Cobie Durant

A cornerback who played college football at South Carolina State University, an HBCU. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has now signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

Isaiah Land

An HBCU player who also joined the Dallas Cowboys defense.

Markquese Bell

Another HBCU player who is part of the Dallas Cowboys' defensive unit.

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What they’re saying

“Cobie Durant just has a nose for the football in the playoffs. The Rams CB reads this the whole way. Goes up and gets the ball from Burden. Had the big mistake, but Rams don't win yesterday without Durant. Was fantastic otherwise.”

— Blaine Grisak

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to Durant, Land, and Bell to help bolster their defense and rebound from a tough 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' continued commitment to recruiting talent from HBCU programs demonstrates their belief in the quality of players developed at these institutions. By providing opportunities for HBCU stars like Durant, the Cowboys are helping to elevate the profile of these programs and the players they produce.