While many chase the label of being the highest paid, one NFL insider flipped the script, calling out a Dallas Cowboys All-Pro cornerback as the most overpaid player on the roster.

Cornerback DaRon Bland has made this unwanted list, considering his absence from the team throughout the past two seasons with multiple foot injuries.

"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," NFL Writer Brad Gagnon said.

Following the Micah Parsons trade, the Cowboys were quick to extend DaRon Bland's contract to a four-year deal of $92 million, making him the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver at that time in the league.

"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," Gagnon further added.

It was mostly because of his 2023 seasonal output, where he played 17 games. He recorded 69 tackles (53 solo), 9 interceptions with 209 yards, five touchdowns, and five passes defended, marking a career-best season.

But in 2025, his output was low. Though he recorded 73 tackles, he only managed 6 passes defended and just an interception in a total of 12 games in 2025.

The lack of consistency and recent non-availability continues to fuel the rumors around his gameplay. With that in mind, the head coach already has plans for the player for the upcoming season.

Where Does DaRon Bland Fit in the Cowboys’ Defensive Scheme?

During the NFL Annual Meeting, the Dallas Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer gave his take on where to position the cornerback, DaRon Bland.

Schottenheimer also noted that there is a roster gap in the nickel cornerback, underscoring a need on the defense ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

"At the end of the day, we'd love to have a guy that allows us to keep DaRon on the outside," Schottenheimer told reporters.

With players like Cobie Durant and P.J. Locke, the Dallas Cowboys have multiple in-house players who can play in the slot.

Ultimately, the plan is to keep DaRon Bland on the outside, where he can prove himself to be more effective, while the team works on the roster gaps.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote