Blogging The Boys
At least one extension is in the rearview.
After 2025, Dallas has a potential out of Diggs’s massive $97M extension.
Let’s say they take that route, citing his health and inconsistent performance. They’d be left with just rookie Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Trikweze Bridges, and Christian Matthew under contract at corner.
You don’t need me to tell you that’s bad. Diggs, Bland, and Kaiir Elam would all be headed for free agency in that scenario, leaving the Cowboys with virtually nothing guaranteed in the secondary.
As opposed to the pass rush, Dallas has way more future security locked up after the drafting of Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeriuaku.
In short, cornerback is a screaming need now, and will become an even bigger one after this season. Locking up Bland, who has been elite when healthy, saves them from serious problems next spring.
It’s a good bit of money for somebody who isn’t all that “proven,” but with the money freed up from trading Parsons, this is an obvious risk to take.
Good for you, Bland.
Bland and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $92 million contract extension, including $50 million guaranteed.
The money saved by trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers was immediately put to good use, but Bland admits he was “dumbfounded” by the amount of money he received.
“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,” Bland told reporters after practice.
“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.”
That massive payday is well deserved.
While Bland started last season on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury at the end of the preseason, he is one of the top cornerbacks in the league when health. His versatility is also valuable for the Cowboys secondary, so there was never a second thought about whether Bland would get his money.
Now, he and the Cowboys turn their attention to Philly and are counting down the days to the September 4 kickoff on NBC, with live streaming on Peacock.
It’s good to have you back Ryan Flournoy.
The Cowboys are still tinkering with their roster, just days before their season-opening game against the defending Super Bowl champs.
The club released offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles from the practice squad on Saturday, and in a corresponding transaction, brought wide receiver Ryan Flournoy back to take his spot. The move shores...
