Cowboys' DaRon Bland Earns Massive $90M Contract After Just One Good Season

The Dallas Cowboys are known for overpaying some of their own players, and DaRon Bland is the latest example.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:14pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have signed cornerback DaRon Bland to a massive 5-year, $90 million contract, despite Bland having just one standout season in the NFL. The deal makes Bland one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, even though his career production does not yet justify such a lucrative payday.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' tendency to overpay their own players, even those with limited track records, has been a point of criticism for the franchise. Bland's contract is the latest example of this, as he has only had one good season so far in his young career. This raises questions about the team's player evaluation and contract negotiation strategies.

The details

Bland, a 2022 5th-round draft pick, had a breakout season in 2025, recording 4 interceptions and 16 passes defended. However, prior to that, he had seen limited playing time and production. Despite this, the Cowboys have now signed him to a 5-year, $90 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. This contract comes even as other highly productive players like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark have struggled to earn similar paydays.

  • Bland was drafted by the Cowboys in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • In the 2025 season, Bland had a breakout year with 4 interceptions and 16 passes defended.
  • On March 29, 2026, the Cowboys signed Bland to a 5-year, $90 million contract.

The players

DaRon Bland

A cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys who just signed a 5-year, $90 million contract despite having only one standout season in the NFL so far.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, known for being willing to pay high salaries to the team's star players.

Quinnen Williams

A defensive tackle who has been productive but struggled to earn a high-value contract comparable to Bland's.

Kenny Clark

A defensive tackle who has also been productive but struggled to earn a high-value contract comparable to Bland's.

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The takeaway

This contract for DaRon Bland highlights the Cowboys' tendency to overpay their own players, even those with limited track records of success. It raises questions about the team's player evaluation and contract negotiation strategies, and whether they are making the best long-term decisions for the franchise.