DaRon Bland wants Cowboys contract extension

The words Cowboys and contract negotiations have become a rough combo this summer, with the franchise deadlocked in a stalemate with Micah Parsons.

But another player signaled some hopefulness of getting his own contract extension dealt with before the start of the season. 

Cornerback DaRon Bland told reporters after Tuesday’s practice that his representatives and the Cowboys have had “some talks” about an extension and “hopefully” can get a new deal done before the Sept. 4 season opener, according to Cowboys team reporter Tommy Yarrish.

Bland, 26, is set to enter the final year of his contract. 

“I do, but I’m not here to talk about it really too much,” he responded to a question about wanting to get a deal done before the new season. “But yeah, hopefully.”

Bland is set to make $5.3 million in 2025 before potentially becoming a free agent without a new deal. 

There were high hopes for the corner last season after a strong 2023, but he missed the first 10 games of 2024 because of injury (foot fracture) and ended the year with 41 tackles and five passes defended. 

Bland had earned All-Pro honors in 2023, recording 69 tackles and 15 passes defended while grabbing nine interceptions. 

Of course, the Cowboys have found themselves embroiled in a prolonged situation with one of their best players over a new contract. 

The Parsons issue has cast a pall over training camp and even led to A-list actor — and noted Cowboys fan — Denzel Washington to take a jab at team owner Jerry Jones while appearing on ESPN’s “First Take.” 

“I’ve been a Cowboys fan since the ’60s. He’s making it hard for me,” Washington said about Jones on Tuesday. “Not to be a fan, because I’m still a Cowboys fan.

“I’m still going to have the star on the side of the hat, but he ain’t thinking about us. He’s thinking about his pocket.”