Recent NFL news is a reminder that a major confrontation could lie ahead between Dallas Cowboys and rising All-Pro

Though Micah Parsons' contract extension remains at the top of the Dallas Cowboys' to-do list, it's certainly not the only item. It's likely it won't be the most contentious one. 

Sure, Parsons is expected to become the highest-paid non-quarterback ever but chances are both parties understand what the numbers will look like. It's just a matter of getting the details right and playing the typical waiting games the Cowboys' front office is fond of. 

But with rising All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, a major confrontation could lie ahead and the latest NFL news around the position serves as a reminder of it. 

Sauce Gardner's new deal reinforces new going rate for the CB market

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner is perceived as a Top 3 player at the position and recently signed a four-year extension worth $120.4 million, establishing him at No. 1 in average value per year at $30.1 million. 

Combined with Derek Stingley's new $30 million per year deal from earlier in the offseason, there's a new going rate for the CB market. 

Gardner's deal comes early in his career as he's just about to enter his fourth year in the NFL. Like Bland, he was drafted in 2022 but as a first-round pick, Sauce's contract ran through 2026 thanks to the fifth-year option being exercised by the Jets earlier in the year. 

For Bland, things are different as he's entering a contract year and could be aiming for free agency in 2026. 

Though Bland isn't perceived to be at Gardner's level, he has arguments to wind up as one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. In 2023, he set the NFL record for most pick sixes in a single season (5) while leading the league with nine interceptions. 

He's held his own in coverage against some of the league's best wide receivers and already has an All-Pro season under his belt.

But for Bland to aspire to a top-of-the-market contract, one thing is clear: There must be no doubt he's an outside cornerback. Nickel cornerbacks get paid significantly less in the NFL and going into the 2025 season, that might become an issue for Bland and Dallas based on offseason reports.  

Cowboys, Bland could face a confrontation over position

According to multiple reports, Bland spent a lot of time working the slot/nickel spot during Cowboys OTAs and minicamp. Though it remains unclear if the plan is for Bland to stay this season, it's clear the player would prefer not to be moved to a less lucrative position one year removed from free agency. 

When former Cowboys CB Jourdan Lewis signed his deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported his new contract made him the "NFL’s highest paid nickel CB." That deal is set to pay Lewis $10 million per year. 

It's no small difference between that and Gardner's new contract and you can bet Bland and his representation know it very well. 

Once training camp starts, we'll get an idea of where new Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus plans to use Bland this season.

If Bland sticks at nickel, is it a temporary measure while Trevon Diggs returns in able to play the best three corners? Is it a permanent position change that will last the year? We'll find out.