The Dallas Cowboys had a successful 2025 NFL Draft, adding significant talent to their defense, but this has sparked a shocking debate: could one of their brightest stars be considered “expendable”? According to an article from Sports Illustrated, cornerback DaRon Bland, one of the team’s standout defenders, was unexpectedly named by Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie as the Cowboys’ most “replaceable” player following this year’s draft.
DaRon Bland: A Rising Star with an Expiring Contract
DaRon Bland, a fifth-round pick from Fresno State, has made a significant impact since joining the Cowboys in 2022. Stepping in for Jourdan Lewis as the slot cornerback and later taking on an outside role when Trevon Diggs was injured, Bland has proven his worth. In the 2023 season, he led the NFL with 9 interceptions, including an astonishing 5 pick-sixes, setting a remarkable record. In 2024, while his interception total dropped to 3, he maintained his elite performance with 15 pass breakups and another return touchdown.
However, Bland’s rookie contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and the Cowboys appear hesitant to offer him a high-value extension. With the team recently drafting promising rookies like Shavon Revel Jr., a highly touted cornerback in the 2025 draft, the pressure on Bland is mounting.
2025 Draft: Bolstering the Defense
The Dallas Cowboys heavily invested in their defense during this year’s draft, selecting players like Donovan Ezeiruaku (pass rusher, second round) and Shavon Revel Jr. (cornerback), both of whom are expected to become key contributors in the near future. Revel Jr., in particular, is seen as a young talent capable of competing for a starting role as early as next season. The addition of these rookies, combined with established stars like Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis, has made the Cowboys’ cornerback room more crowded than ever.
This depth of talent led to Sterling Xie’s assertion that Bland could be the most “replaceable” player on the roster. Xie argues that with Bland’s contract nearing its end and the emergence of new talent, the Cowboys might consider trading him to acquire draft capital or a player at another position, such as a wide receiver—a position of need after the team passed on drafting one this year.
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
The idea of trading DaRon Bland immediately sparked controversy. Given his impressive track record and critical role in the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, labeling him as “replaceable” seems like a bold and questionable take. Many fans argue that Bland, at just 25 years old, is still in his prime and could remain one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks for years to come. Trading him would not only weaken the defense but also send a negative message about how the Cowboys treat homegrown talent like Bland.
On the other hand, some analysts acknowledge that the Cowboys’ financial situation may force tough decisions. Owner Jerry Jones and the front office have a history of hesitating to sign big contracts in recent years, particularly for non-quarterback or non-pass rusher positions. If Bland demands a salary commensurate with his value (potentially upwards of $20 million per year), the Cowboys might opt to allocate their budget to other positions or to extend contracts for stars like Micah Parsons.
Will the Cowboys Actually Trade Bland?
While the suggestion of trading DaRon Bland has stirred debate, it remains speculative for now. Bland’s contributions to the Cowboys’ secondary, paired with his youth and potential, make him a valuable asset. However, the team’s draft strategy and financial constraints could lead to difficult choices in the near future. For now, Cowboys fans can only hope that their superstar cornerback remains a cornerstone of the defense for years to come.