DaRon Bland, Cowboys Engaged in Ongoing Contract Extension Talks, CB Says

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland says he would "definitely" like to finalize a contract extension during training camp this summer.

"Dallas is where I've always wanted to be, so hopefully we can get it done," Bland told reporters at the 1:00 mark of his Monday media availability.

When asked how negotiations had gone so far, Bland answered, "There have been talks, but I'm not here to talk about that."

Bland is currently set to make $5.4 million this upcoming season before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2026, per Spotrac.

How much Bland gets paid on his next contract could depend on whether the Cowboys believe he will serve as a slot corner going forward. Outside corners tend to make the highest salaries at the position.

Cowboys reporters including DallasCowboys.com's Tommy Yarrish have previously reported that Bland would prefer to play on the outside, but that he is also a candidate to replace outgoing free agent Jourdan Lewis in the slot.

"You can use me inside or out, but yeah, my rookie year was my first time ever playing nickel in my life, so it was a rough journey, but it was fun," Bland said Tuesday. "What I'm trying to do now is to be able to prove I can do both of them, inside and out."

The cornerback is looking to cash in on a 2023 season that saw him lead the NFL with nine interceptions while setting a single-season record by returning five for touchdowns.

Bland was unable to replicate that production in 2024, when his campaign was derailed by a left foot injury that kept him from making his season debut until Week 12. He didn't record any interceptions once he returned, finishing the campaign with five pass breakups and a forced fumble in seven games.

He missed the beginning of training camp because of the birth of his child, but rejoined the team on Monday.

Bland's ability to bounce back in 2025 will be even more important for the Cowboys now that the cornerback depth chart has been thinned by injuries.

Not only are Trevon Diggs, Josh Butler and Shavon Revel Jr. continuing to recover from respective knee surgeries, but ESPN's Todd Archer reported Tuesday that Caelen Carson will miss four to six weeks with a hyperextended knee.

Although ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the Cowboys are bringing in Ravens cornerback Christian Matthew as a depth option, those injuries could still increase Bland's value as player and team look to reach a resolution during contract negotiations in Oxnard.