The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL season with high hopes for their secondary, anchored by All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs, who successfully returned from injury concerns. However, the team was dealt a significant blow when star cornerback DaRon Bland suffered a foot injury that could sideline him for multiple weeks, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. With rookie Shavon Revel still recovering from a torn ACL sustained in college and not expected back until Week 7, and other defensive backs like Caelen Carson and Josh Butler potentially returning as early as Week 5 from injured reserve and the PUP list, respectively, the Cowboys’ secondary is dangerously thin. To address this crisis, signing veteran free agent Kendall Fuller is a no-brainer move to bolster the team’s depleted cornerback room.
The Cowboys’ defensive backfield is grappling with a wave of injuries that threaten to derail their season early. Bland’s foot injury is particularly concerning, as he has emerged as a key playmaker in the secondary, complementing Diggs’ ball-hawking style. Meanwhile, Revel’s absence until midseason and the uncertain timelines for Carson and Butler leave Dallas vulnerable. While the team boasts significant talent when healthy, the current lack of depth makes it challenging to maintain their defensive prowess without additional reinforcements.
Signing a free agent is not always the preferred route, especially with promising young players like Revel waiting in the wings and established stars like Diggs and Bland expected to return. However, the immediate need for stability and experience in the secondary outweighs the hesitation to look outside the current roster. The Cowboys cannot afford to rely solely on unproven depth pieces or risk further injuries while waiting for their starters to recover.
Kendall Fuller, a veteran cornerback with nine years of NFL experience, is the ideal candidate to provide the Cowboys with the insurance they desperately need. Fuller has a proven track record as a versatile defensive back, capable of playing both in the slot and on the outside. While his 2024 season was marred by injuries, including concussions and a lingering knee issue, and marked one of his statistically weaker years, Fuller’s skill set aligns perfectly with Dallas’ needs during this injury-plagued stretch.
Fuller’s ability to play the ball in the air mirrors the aggressive, turnover-hunting style of Diggs and Bland. He has recorded 10 or more pass breakups in five of his nine NFL seasons, demonstrating his knack for disrupting passing plays. However, his aggressive approach comes with a downside, as he has allowed completion percentages above 65% in recent seasons. For the Cowboys, this trade-off is acceptable, as Fuller would not need to be a star but rather a reliable stopgap who can hold down the fort until Bland and others return.
Fuller’s versatility makes him an excellent fit for the Cowboys’ immediate needs. With Bland sidelined, Fuller can step into the slot, where his experience and instincts would help stabilize the secondary. Additionally, his ability to play outside provides flexibility in case of further injuries to players like Diggs. The Cowboys’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes creating turnovers, aligns well with Fuller’s strengths, even if he occasionally gives up completions.
Importantly, signing Fuller is not about a long-term commitment. The Cowboys have their preferred options in Diggs, Bland, and potentially E.J. Elam, once healthy, and they are eager to evaluate rookie Shavon Revel upon his return. Fuller serves as a bridge, offering veteran savvy and reliability to help Dallas navigate the early weeks of the 2025 season without compromising their competitive edge.
One week into the 2025 NFL season, the Cowboys are already facing a critical juncture. The injury bug has hit their secondary hard, and failing to address the issue could jeopardize their playoff aspirations. Kendall Fuller represents a low-risk, high-reward option—a proven veteran who can step in immediately, contribute in multiple roles, and keep Dallas competitive while their key players recover. By signing Fuller, the Cowboys can weather the storm and keep their defense intact, ensuring they remain in the hunt for a successful 2025 campaign.