Jerry Jones just said the quiet part out loud about one of the Cowboys’ biggest problems going into 2026 season
The Dallas Cowboys know they’re dealing with a disastrous reality at cornerback. And they know it.
In the NFL, they say there’s no such thing as having “too many cornerbacks.” Ahead of the 2026 offseason, the Dallas Cowboys don’t have even one they can feel confident about.
And owner Jerry Jones just touched on one of the biggest concerns around the Cowboys’ cornerback room when discussing DaRon Bland’s imminent surgery.
Jones speaks on DaRon Bland injury
DaRon Bland revealed earlier in the week he plans to undergo foot surgery next week after admitting he was bothered by a left foot injury most of the year. It’s the same foot he had surgery on a year before. He was placed on Injured Reserve in December.
And though his expectations are for surgery to not affect his offseason prep, it’s a reason to be concerned, says Jerry Jones.
“I’m not a doctor, of course, neither one of us are, but I don’t like that at all,” Jones told reporters after Wednesday’s end of season press conference. “I don’t like the sign of that. You have to watch feet relative to the long-term future.”
Jones is exactly right. Foot injuries are some of the most lingering issues a football player can face. And to face surgery on the same foot in back-to-back years raises concerns for where Bland’s caliber of play is headed. After all, 2025 was one of his worst years in the league, and if a foot injury was the reason why, who’s to say it will improve in 2026?
The Cowboys will have to find out. They signed Bland to a four-year, $92 million contract extension prior to the 2025 NFL season. Dallas could realistically get rid of the contract in 2027, when cutting him would free up $4.2 million in cap space. In other words, 2026 will be a huge year for Bland’s future. For now, though Dallas should be worried about adding cornerbacks.
Beyond Bland, there’s no proven CBs in Dallas
A quick look at the Cowboys’ depth chart at CB suggests the front office will have to spend at the position. On the roster, there’s not one guy with a proven track record as a starter in the NFL. Currently, outside of Bland, the team’s best bet is 2025 third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr., who was inconsistent in his rookie season. The hope is a full offseason helps him play better in 2027.
Other than that, the Cowboys have no proven starters under contract. There are either career backups or young players with upside but no extensive starting experience. Maybe the Cowboys are enticed to bring back Reddy Steward, who showed some flashes at nickel.
But even if Steward returns, the Cowboys know they need a nickel. And it goes back to their decision to let Jourdan Lewis walk in free agency.
Jones regrets Jourdan Lewis decision
Lewis’ absence was felt by the Cowboys defense all year long after he signed a three-year deal worth $30 million with the playoff-bound Jacksonville Jaguars.
“We lost the nickel,” said Jones referring to Lewis. “That hurt us more than we thought. The nickel was a serious loss for us. He made a big difference not having him out there, so we’ve got to get better there.”
Now, the Cowboys need to look for a solid replacement for Lewis after failing to do so in 2025. At the same time, they need to live with the aftermath of a failed $90 million deal to Trevon Diggs, and a bleak outlook for a $92 million deal signed with DaRon Bland.
It’s a disastrous situation. And the Cowboys have no other choice than to do some dramatic things and as Jones suggested they might do this offseason, “bust the budget” in free agency.
Dallas Cowboys News
Latest NFL coaching news opens the door for Cowboys to lose an important member of their coaching staff
The Dallas Cowboys will need to monitor the latest news in the NFL coaching cycle that could affect them.
