FRISCO — Major questions face the Dallas Cowboys secondary heading into the 2025 season, varying in scope and importance. These start with the big names among this group and trickle down the depth chart.
DaRon Bland only had half of a season in 2024, starting the year on injured reserve. Trevon Diggs may have a similar fate awaiting him in the fall as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Bland may have an extension awaiting in his future, but Diggs’ prospects beyond the upcoming campaign with the Cowboys are in serious doubt. Given that both have am injury history, Dallas traded for Kaiir Elam and have second-year corner Caelen Carson set to return from his own injury.
But that is no surefire answer to the secondary woes the team had last year, meaning the Cowboys will likely target a corner in the draft. They could do that or look to generate competition by taking a waiver on another veteran.
A franchise notorious for giving players second chances, the Cowboys could be a landing spot for former Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Jack Jones. The Raiders released Jones after a lackluster showing last season and a general scheme change incoming with Pete Carroll becoming the new head coach.
Jones posted career bests in tackles (69) and interceptions (three), ending his tenure as one of the most productive players from the Antonio Pierce regime. However, his 698 yards and nine touchdowns allowed in coverage remain a glaring negative for any team willing to take him on.
The uncertainty around Diggs makes the need for a backup plan more pertinent for this group. Jones may not be more steady than the options at hand, but Jones combined with the addition of a rookie generates more competition in the offseason.
From that perspective, Jones – who has a troubled behavioral history -could present some value for Dallas.
Delving further into the team’s affinity for second chances, evidence for that can be found as recent as Friday with the team working out offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles who recently came out of retirement.
There is no guarantee the Cowboys follow up on that venture, but have drawn a connection with and evaluated a recent starter in the league. It does not hurt to try that same experiment with Jones.