The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive backfield, once regarded as one of the premier units in the NFL, has faced significant challenges over the past couple of seasons. Notably, cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland excelled in their earlier campaigns, making it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to locate their primary targets. In 2021, Diggs made headlines during his second season by notching 11 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Following in his footsteps, rookie Bland contributed three interceptions in 2022.
However, the narrative took a downturn in 2023 when Diggs suffered an injury after just two games, and Bland continued to shine, finishing that season with nine interceptions and five returned for touchdowns. In 2024, both players struggled to stay on the field, with Diggs playing 11 games and finishing with only two interceptions, while Bland managed just seven games without any picks.
The 2025 season was anticipated as a redemption year for the duo but proved to be disappointing. Diggs encountered personal challenges, including a dispute regarding rehab and a controversial trade involving Micah Parsons, which led to a rough season. He played only eight games, starting six, recorded 25 tackles but failed to register a single interception before his release later in the year. Meanwhile, Bland completed 12 games, achieved 73 tackles, and managed a single interception, a notable 68-yard Pick Six, though he faced challenges in coverage.
With both star cornerbacks underperforming, the Cowboys struggled to find reliable backups. Fifth-round pick Caelen Carson saw limited success, finishing with just 17 tackles in his second year, while Shavon Revel, a third-round pick recovering from a knee injury, managed 35 tackles in seven games but was frequently beaten in coverage. Reddy Steward, who came over from Chicago, started in five of the 17 games he played, accumulating 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
The safety position was similarly tumultuous. Starters Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker each had lackluster seasons, with Wilson leading the group with 71 tackles and two interceptions before approaching unrestricted free agency. Hooker, under contract for 2026, started just 12 games with 52 tackles. Their backups, Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas, faced varying levels of success, with Bell under contract for the next season and Thomas entering restricted free agency.
As the Cowboys head into the offseason, they face critical decisions regarding their secondary. The need for depth and improvement in both the cornerback and safety positions is apparent. With the potential for a high-impact draft upcoming in April, fans remain hopeful that the franchise will address these gaps effectively, paving the way for a revival in the defensive backfield as they strive for success in the coming seasons.