Cowboys should consider signing free agent CB J.C. Jackson after DaRon Bland’s injury
The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a significant blow Saturday upon learning cornerback DaRon Bland has a stress fracture in his foot that will require surgery. That will keep him sidelined six to eight weeks. Depth at the CB position was already a concern prior to this and even more so now not knowing who will replace him in the starting lineup opposite Trevon Diggs.
Internally. the Dallas Cowboys options to replace DaRon Bland don’t include a proven player at the CB position outside of Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis. What they do have is mostly a bunch of first- and second-year players they may be forced to throw to the wolves until Bland can return to the starting lineup.
This could be a position they try to address via trade or the waiver wire. But, if they want a proven veteran who could potentially provide a high level of play, they should reach out to former Pro Bowl CB J.C. Jackson. He is still available on the open market and could be the quick solution as a plug-and-play starter.
Jackson, of course, doesn’t come without risk. While he is still eligible to sign with any team around the league, it was just recently announced he faces a one-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Free-agent CB J.C. Jackson has been suspended for the first game of the 2024 season for violating the personal conduct policy. He is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities. His suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players. pic.twitter.com/V0syJf8og1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2024
Jackson has also spoken about his mental health issues. It’s one of the reasons many believe he still a free agent at this point, despite his Pro Bowl credentials. It is said that is why he fell out of favor in Los Angeles with the Chargers after signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
At 6’1″, 198-pounds, he has the ideal size to play outside CB opposite Trevon Diggs in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He also would bring much-needed experience to the Cowboys defensive backfield which are severely lacking behind their starters. On top of all of that, a one-year “prove it” deal could be all it takes to bring him aboard. That’s all predicated on the issue of his mental health being in the right place, and the only way to know is for the Cowboys to talk to him.
This could be a win-win for both the Cowboys and Jackson. The Cowboys definitely need more help while Bland is sidelined, and a fresh start could resurrect the career for the 28-year-old. This is exactly the kind of risk/reward situation Cowboys haven’t been shy about taking in the past and should consider doing so once again.