It’s safe to say that Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland has outperformed his contract. The 2022 fifth-round selection has 14 career interceptions in 34 games. Now, he’s set to receive a raise for his performance.
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CB DaRon Bland Set To Earn Performance-Based Pay Bump
Bland had a huge 2023 season, with nine interceptions and an NFL-record five returned for a touchdown. He also generated 15 pass deflections, an All-Pro selection, and a trip to the Pro Bowl. Bland is set to earn a $759,756 pay increase for his performance last season.
Bland signed a four-year contract worth nearly $4 million when he signed his rookie deal with Dallas in 2022. He earned a $304,788 signing bonus, $304,788 guaranteed, and an annual salary of $991,197, per Spotrac.
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Dallas’ Potential Starting LT in 2024
The battle for the starting left tackle position will be a free-for-all for the Cowboys in 2024. Tyler Smith and Earl Bostick Jr. are currently on the roster, but Dallas could instead opt for a left tackle in the NFL Draft.
It’s also unclear if the team would move Smith to tackle, as he was an All-Pro guard in 2023. Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy spoke about the situation at the NFL Owners Meeting last week in Orlando.
“We’ll keep him at guard right now, see how it unfolds. … As of today. Let’s fill out the room, and then we’ll look at it,” McCarthy said. “We’d like to continue adding to that.”
As for who could replace the departed Tyron Smith, who inked a deal with the New York Jets earlier this offseason, Pro Football Network’s Tony Catalina speculated on who the Cowboys could realistically select. Washington’s Troy Fautanu or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu will most likely be off of the board, so JC Latham (Alabama) or Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma), may be options.
“Dallas could even look at Amarius Mims out of Georgia, who is viewed by some as a right tackle prospect, but could look to have him flip sides based on traits and ability shown on film,” Catalina wrote. “The Cowboys could possibly target Arizona’s Jordan Morgan if they feel like reaching a bit in Round 1, or moving back later to collect draft collateral and still get their guy if they so choose.”
CONTINUE READING: Breaking Down Dallas’ Left Tackle Situation
Will Helms Mocks LT Amarius Mims to Cowboys
Pro Football Network’s Will Helms has Mims mocked to the Cowboys with the 24th overall selection of this year’s draft.
“Amarius Mims is inexperienced, with less than a full season as a starter under his belt at Georgia, but he was dominant when healthy in Athens,” Helms wrote. “Mims is powerful and could slot in at right or potentially even left tackle for the Cowboys.”
KEEP READING: Will Helms’ NFL Mock Draft
