The Dallas Cowboys hope their secondary stays healthy in 2025 after three of their top four cornerbacks missed significant time in 2024. DaRon Bland missed the first ten games because of a stress fracture in his left foot, Caelen Carson missed 11, including the last seven, to undergo shoulder surgery, and Trevon Diggs missed six, including the last four, to undergo surgery for a chondral tissuegraft in his left knee. On top of that, one of their key starters departed in free agency.
The Dallas Cowboys’ slot cornerback left
Dallas Cowboys, Jourdan Lewis, Skip Bayless
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Jourdan Lewis to a three-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. Lewis primarily lined up in the slot throughout his eight-year career with the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded 386 tackles, ten interceptions, and 44 pass deflections in 115 regular-season games and 64 starts, along with four tackles in four postseason games and one start.
With the departure of their talented cornerback, the Cowboys currently have a vacancy there on top of the injuries to the position. Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel have not participated during spring workouts. Although Revel should be ready for training camp, Diggs could miss the start of 2025.
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro getting reps at new position
Dallas Cowboys, DaRon Bland
Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) stands on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
According to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News,DaRon Bland has been getting practice reps in the slot during organized team activities. While the Cowboys continue to look to bolster their outside and slot cornerback positions, this doesn’t necessarily mean Bland will play there in 2025. Watkins believes this is more of a matchup thing than anything else.
“DaRon Bland got some practice reps at slot corner during the only day the media was able to watch practice,” Watkins said.
“With Trevon Diggs out for an undetermined length of time, Bland is the Cowboys’ best cornerback and moving him inside seems more of a matchup thing than anything else.”
Their backup safety also saw playing time there
Dallas Cowboys, Juanyeh Thomas
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
As Calvin Watkins points out, backup safety Juanyeh Thomas also saw playing time in the slot during OTAs. Thomas has played a very limited role in his first two seasons, only participating in 284 total snaps in that span. Given his size, versatility, and ability to play multiple positions on defense, he could be in play for slot duties in 2025.
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