Dallas Cowboys are putting an All-Pro player due for a contract in a very uncomfortable position during initial practices

After emerging as a starter halfway through his rookie season, Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland took the NFL by storm in 2023 when he logged nine interceptions and returned five of them to the end zone to set the league record for most in a season.

Now, the first-team All-Pro cornerback is entering a contract year with big financial implications. If he plays a full season of dominant football, he could position himself to become one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.

But the Cowboys care putting him in a very uncomfortable position at least early in the offseason. . . Bland is being asked to play in the slot. 

During the second week of OTAs, "DaRon Bland spent a majority of the time in the slot during 11 on 11 and 7 on 7 periods," according to DallasCowboys.com's Tommy Yarrish. 

It is early in the offseason and the Cowboys and many other NFL teams are just experimenting. But the mere possibility of Dallas moving him to the inside puts Bland in an awkward spot. After all, it's no secret nickel cornerbacks don't make as much money as outside corners. 

Derek Stingley recently signed for $30 million per year to become the highest-paid corner in the league and there are six others averaging over $20 million. Earlier this year, Jourdan Lewis became the highest-paid nickel cornerback after signing a contract averaging $10 million per year. 

Now granted, the league knows who Bland is. But if the Cowboys ask him to move from the outside in, it could have a very real and tangible impact in his market value down the line. 

The Cowboys are dealing with injuries at the position as they hope to get third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. back for the start of the season and Trevon Diggs is expected to miss it. Second-year cornerback Caelen Carson is also fighting back from injury and missed team drills on Thursday. 

Perhaps Bland will be back at home out wide once the room is healthy and ready to go. But right now, his future role is cloudy as the Cowboys move him around.