Cowboys’ DaRon Bland Admits Being “Dumbfounded” After Signing $92 Million Extension

DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys cornerback, inked a brand new contract extension that will keep him in the Big D for the next four seasons.

Cowboys’ DaRon Bland Admits Being “Dumbfounded” After Signing $92 Million Extension

DaRon Bland (Image via The New York Times)

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The Dallas Cowboys made a blockbuster last-minute deal before returning to the practice field on Sunday (August 31), with just four days left for the season opener. The Cowboys play the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4 at Lincoln Field, in Pattinson Avenue, Philadelphia, to kick off the 106th season of the NFL.

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly inked a deal with All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, which will keep him in Texas until the 2029 season. Bland agreed to a four-year, $92 million contract extension, including $50 million guaranteed, with the Cowboys management. The move, coming just a few days after linebacker Micah Parsons shifted bases from Dallas to Green Bay, has bamboozled everyone.

Even DaRon Bland was equally surprised, not with the extension but the amount of money he was offered. He admitted being dumbfounded and, at the same time, grateful for the opportunities.

I was kinda surprised. I was a little bit dumbfounded. I can’t believe I’m going to be making that much doing what I do. I thank God, because not many fifth-rounders get the opportunities that I had and be in this league and be able to do what I do. 

DaRon Bland told reporters after practice

Drafted in the fifth round out of Fresno State in 2022, Bland quickly proved himself to be far more than a late-round gamble. As a rookie, he led the Cowboys in interceptions with five, becoming an important part of the Dallas defense. His breakout 2023 campaign cemented his star status, as he not only led the NFL with nine interceptions but also set a league record by returning five of them for touchdowns.

The extension also means that despite shifting from the star-driven defense, the Cowboys are placing DaRon “The Weapon” Bland as a primary leader and versatile defensive backbone.

Brian Schottenheimer admits being happy for DaRon Bland

Brian Schottenheimer, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, spoke of DaRon Bland in the media session. The rookie coach admitted to being happy for Bland and the career trajectory he’s had from tough beginnings.

DaRon Bland
DaRon Bland (Image via SI)

After graduating from Central Catholic HS in Modesto, California, Bland was not nationally recruited and managed to end up at Sacramento State, an hour or so away from his high school. He played most of his collegiate career in Sacramento before committing to the Fresno State Bulldogs for a single year. He was eventually picked by the Cowboys in the 5th round as the 167th pick in 2022 NFL Draft.

Schottenheimer informed that Bland has shot into the scene and made a quick impact on the field. He also touched upon the fact that Bland is a new dad and how he has changed as a father and his humbleness. Additionally, he acknowledged that Bland had incredible ball skills and instincts.

I’m so happy for him… He has incredible ball skills, but I also thank God he’s got incredible instincts. His ability to study the game and his knowledge of the game for a young player, relatively young, so uncanny. His ability to read splits and anticipate routes, and things like that? That usually happens when you’re older… He’s another guy who fits perfectly in our defense.

Brian Schottenheimer said

There’s a lot on Bland’s plate as he steps into Parsons’ shoes, more so because of the proximity of the two contracts. The Dallas Cowboys were one of the worst defenses last year, and with Matt Eberflus taking the helm, Bland would be one of the most-watched players on the defensive side.

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