Cowboys star named top cornerback in 2026 NFL free agency

The Dallas Cowboys have another star ready to break the bank.

Dallas Cowboys CB DaRon Bland intercepts a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

DaRon Bland had a strong showing during his 2022 rookie campaign, intercepting five passes. As impressive as he was, no one was prepared for what Bland was about to do for the Dallas Cowboys the following year.

Bland became a superstar in his second season, recording nine interceptions while returning five of them for touchdowns. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to follow that up with another strong performance in 2024.

MORE: Micah Parsons, Cowboys stars to host NFL schedule release podcast show

A foot injury limited Bland to just seven games. He finished without an interception for the first time in his career and struggled in coverage.

Dallas Cowboys CB DaRon Bland celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

That has him entering a critical season as Bland is in the final year of his rookie contract. He can break the bank if he returns to form and PFF seems to believe that will happen, calling him the top cornerback free agent in 2026.

The Top-10 2026 free agent CBs 🔒 pic.twitter.com/SnGGLhWTkt

— PFF (@PFF) May 12, 2025

Dallas will have to decide if they want to extend Bland before he hits the open market, which won’t be an easy decision.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Jaydon Blue agree to rookie contract

Not only will they be limited in cap space — assuming they finally extend Micah Parsons— but they’re already paying Trevon Diggs on a premium contract. Of course, the front office surprised everyone when they extended Osa Odighizuwa this offseason, so perhaps they find a way to keep Bland as well.

While it’s hard to predict what the front office will do, we know for sure Bland is getting paid next year. The only question is who will pay him?

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Did Jerry Jones inadvertently leak Cowboys' Week 1 opponent?

Cowboys' toughest 2025 game will be against NFC powerhouse on the road

George Pickens meets Cowboys' Jerry Jones, poses for epic 'family' photo

Cowboys' defensive free agency signing named most 'head-scratching' move

Meet Abby Summers: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie