Pro Football Sports Network thinks Falcons should target Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland
As Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and quarterback Kirk Cousins continue to be the subject of trade rumors, few around the NFL have mentioned what Atlanta might be looking to add to the roster ahead of the 2025 season.
A new feature from Pro Football Sports Network named one possible trade target for each NFL team. The article proposed an interesting scenario for Atlanta, listing All-Pro Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland as the team’s ideal trade target.
“The Falcons ranked 25th in pass defense success rate (51.9%), partly because of an inconsistent pass rush,” wrote PFSN‘s Brandon Austin. “But the problems in the secondary go deeper. The spot opposite A.J. Terrell is still unsettled. Even the nickel role, currently held by Dee Alford, could use competition this summer.”
Atlanta did re-sign veteran cornerback Mike Hughes to start opposite Terrell in 2025, but Bland would be a huge upgrade. But why would Dallas look to move such a promising player who’s still just 25 years old?
“On paper, the Cowboys have one of the league’s best cornerback duos with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland,” explained Austin. “Both are former first-team All-Pros, but they played just one game together in 2024 due to injuries. Bland is now in a contract year, and his long-term future in Dallas is uncertain.”
Blank, a former fifth-round pick, has 14 interceptions and five pick-sixes since entering the league in 2022. The former Day 3 pick should be looking to cash in during free agency.
However, Atlanta just signed Terrell to a mega extension last offseason and probably can’t afford to invest more money at the position. Since Bland will soon be a free agent, it’s a risky move.
The Falcons would certainly be a better team with Bland starting in the secondary, especially when you look at the team’s supporting cast of Terrell, Jordan Fuller, Jessie Bates III and rookie Xavier Watts.
Plus, it would be another sign that the team is going all in for 2025. It’s clear the front office feels pressure to win after trading a future first-round pick to move up for Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. in the draft.