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Cowboys' Most Overpaid Player Earns $90 Million Despite One Good Season
DaRon Bland's huge contract doesn't match his recent on-field performance
Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:05pm
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The Dallas Cowboys have awarded cornerback DaRon Bland a four-year, $90 million contract, making him the sixth-highest paid player at his position. However, Bland has only had one standout season and has struggled in coverage over the past two years, leading analysts to call him the most overpaid player on the Cowboys' roster.
Why it matters
The Cowboys are known for paying their star players handsomely, but Bland's massive contract despite his limited production raises questions about the team's player evaluation and contract negotiation strategies. With significant money tied up in an underperforming player, the Cowboys may have less flexibility to address other defensive needs.
The details
In his rookie season in 2022, Bland had five interceptions, followed by nine picks in 2023. That performance earned him the lucrative four-year, $90 million deal. However, Bland has only recorded one interception total over the past two seasons and has been routinely beaten in coverage, leading analysts to label him the most overpaid player on the Cowboys' roster.
- Bland was drafted by the Cowboys in the 5th round in 2022.
- In the 2022 season, Bland had 5 interceptions.
- In the 2023 season, Bland had 9 interceptions.
- Bland signed a 4-year, $90 million contract with the Cowboys in 2024.
The players
DaRon Bland
A 26-year-old cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys who was a 5th round draft pick in 2022 but has since signed a $90 million contract despite only one standout season.
Jerry Jones
The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, known for paying his star players large contracts.
Brad Gagnon
A writer for Bleacher Report who named DaRon Bland the most overpaid player on the Cowboys' roster.
What they’re saying
“Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark were also strong candidates with output that doesn't align with $20-plus million AAVs, but Bland is the clear-cut winner.”
— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report Writer
The takeaway
The Cowboys' decision to give DaRon Bland a massive $90 million contract after just one strong season highlights the team's willingness to pay top dollar for potential rather than proven production. This move could hamstring the Cowboys' ability to address other defensive needs and raises questions about the team's player evaluation and contract negotiation strategies.
