The Dallas Cowboys boosted their secondary on Friday morning as they reached an agreement on a one-year contract with former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Per Durant’s agent, Malki Kawa, the deal can be “worth up to $5.5 million,” and it gives him a chance to improve a secondary that struggled mightily one year ago.
While there are plenty of positives from the move, it has to be considered a negative for second-year cornerback Shavon Revel. Taken in the third round of last year’s draft, Revel had issues after returning from a torn ACL in the second half of the season, and could already be fighting for playing time as Durant’s arrival could push the young defensive back during the offseason program.
Shavon Revel Jr. Skating on Thin Ice After Cowboys Add Cobie Durant in Free Agency
Revel was viewed as a steal for the Cowboys when he fell to Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft. A projected first-round pick at one point, Revel tore his ACL during his final year at East Carolina, but was an ideal fit for a scheme that emphasized quarters coverage, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler in his draft guide, "The Beast."
The upside and fit did not translate to production in Revel’s rookie season. According to Pro Football Focus, Revel’s 35.2 overall grade was the worst in the NFL among 121 qualifying cornerbacks. He was also targeted frequently by opposing offenses, allowing 21 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns with two pass breakups and five penalties (one declined) on 31 targets.
Those numbers mean it would be easy for the Cowboys to find an upgrade over Revel, and Durant fits that bill.
In 985 total snaps last season, Durant posted a 65.5 overall grade and allowed 51 receptions for 643 yards with six interceptions and six pass breakups on 92 targets. While he also allowed eight touchdowns and committed four penalties (one declined), he was also at his best in zone coverage, posting a 69.6 coverage grade on 404 zone snaps last season.
Dallas' CB Room Is Taking Shape
With those strengths in mind, it’s easy to see how the Cowboys' CB room could look next season.
DaRon Bland split time between the outside and the slot last season, and Durant likely could allow him to play inside more with 896 snaps on the outside last season. Even if Bland moves inside, Revel would have to battle 2025 fifth-round pick Caelen Carson for playing time at the opposite spot in a competition where Carson would be favored based on Revel’s performance.
Revel has some things going for him going into 2026, as he is another year removed from injury. He could have a fresh start under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is expected to use Cover 4 and Cover 6 concepts after working under Vic Fangio’s defense with the Philadelphia Eagles.
At the same time, the fact that he didn’t select Revel could open the door for one more corner to be added either in free agency or the upcoming NFL draft.
With those options on the table, Revel is already skating on thin ice going into his second season and will have to show significant improvement to stay on the field.