5 Cornerbacks the Cowboys Must Target After DaRon Bland Injury
By Cem Yolbulan
James Bradberry, Eagles
Yes, Bradberry was one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL last season. He was miserable both statistically and on the field, regularly getting beat by receivers and playing a big role in the collapse of the Eagles' defense in the second half of the year.
But no one is going to trade a good defensive player without any question marks with their season openers less than two weeks away.
What the Cowboys can hope for if they acquire Bradberry is a return to his 2022 form. Less than two years ago, he was an All-Pro second-team cornerback, allowing a 45.3% completion rate and a 51.6 passer rating when targeted.
How likely is it for a 31-year-old cornerback to turn back the clock like that?
Obviously not likely but that is why he is on the trade block. The Eagles held onto the Pro Bowler against all odds this offseason but he is very much available due to his high salary. Intra-division trades are rare but in this potentially win-win instance, the teams could make an exception.
Adoree' Jackson, FA
If the Cowboys prefer to not give up assets and go for a free-agent option instead, the best available corner on the market is Adoree' Jackson.
Jackson spent the last three seasons with the Giants, starting in 36 games. The former first-round pick out of USC isn't the most inspiring starter at this point in his career but he is a more than capable backup. He could easily replace DaRon Bland for the first couple of weeks of the season before taking a smaller role the rest of the way.
In his final season in New York, the 28-year-old Jackson played in 14 games and recorded 63 tackles and an interception, allowing a 98.3 passer rating when targeted and receiving a 48.6 overall grade from PFF.