In a shocking twist, the Dallas Cowboys might be open to trade superstar cornerback Daron Bland this upcoming season. According to a report, the source believes the team could either release or trade the cornerback, who may end up being expendable. However, no one should expect the Cowboys to release Bland; they could trade him instead if they have another disastrous season. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Fresno State product had one of his best campaigns in his sophomore season, recording 53 solo tackles, 15 pass deflections, a career-high of nine interceptions and five touchdowns in just 15 starts and 17 games.
Bland was looking like the real deal playing alongside cornerback Trevon Diggs, as these two were supposed to be the formidable duo in this team’s secondary. However, injuries and a lack of staying on the field led to the two only playing together once last year. Bland was at his peak playing for the Cowboys when veteran Stephon Gilmore was a part of this unit before letting him hit the market last year’s offseason due to the salary cap. The two cornerbacks were never the same, especially Diggs, who is coming back from his latest injury.
Now, Bland is heading into his contract year, and it’s hard to convince the organization he’s a part of the long-term plans. The Cowboys will have to see how he performs, and if he doesn’t live up to expectations, the team may trade him to these four teams.
REPORT: Cowboys Superstar Daron Bland Could Be Possible Trade Candidate – 4 Possible Destinations
Potential Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Last season, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the worst 2024 campaigns when it came to their secondary unit. Veteran Marlon Humphrey did what he could to hold the department together like glue, while Brandon Stephens and Marcus Williams were the most inconsistent defenders. The Ravens found some life in Ar’Darius Washington, but it’s hard to imagine this roster will depend on Chidobe Awuzie for depth behind 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins. Bland is easily the better cornerback over Awuzie and could be a significant upgrade for this unit if he can stay healthy.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the cornerback room for the Chargers will look dramatically different as well. 2024 draft pick Cam Hart is exactly ready for full-time duties, which is why they signed Benjamin St-Juste for depth. However, there’s no such thing as too many pass secondary defenders, and Donte Jackson could use the assistance in the aerial attack to rotate around after signing his two-year deal.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have yet to find their next long-term starter for their cornerback unit. Kool-Aid McKinstry is a “lock” to be a starter, but they can’t depend on Alontae Taylor to do much. Bland might take a few seasons to adjust, but he’s easily the favorable man in this situation to fit into what the Saints built this offseason when it came to the safety department after signing Justin Reid.
Kansas City Chiefs
Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are two firepower cornerbacks in the league and could explode this upcoming season. Despite signing Kristian Fulton for depth, they could use another man to strengthen this roster. If Fulton faces injuries again, they could trade for Bland for relief.
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