FRISCO — In the days following a second consecutive season without making the playoffs, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, in a walk-off interview with local reporters after the final news conference of the season, admitted that the loss of one player stung significantly.
And no, not that one. Jones, instead, admitted the loss of defensive back Jourdan Lewis was felt deeply by a defense that struggled overall and struggled to replace him. Lewis, somewhat surprisingly, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for a contract that momentarily made him the highest-paid nickel cornerback in history.
The Cowboys went through multiple options at slot corner, including former All-Pro DaRon Bland, but finding a permanent answer eluded them. Now it’s one of their biggest priorities this offseason.
Here are five options the Cowboys could pursue to find a solution at slot corner:
Cowboys
The draft
Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) celebrates his interception in the end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Clemson, S.C.
Artie Walker Jr. / AP
Clemson CB Avieon Terrell: The Seattle Seahawks showcased what a dominant slot corner could do during the Super Bowl. Corner Devon Witherspoon finished with a sack and three quarterback hits while also helping the Seahawks shut down the Patriots’ passing attack. Witherspoon had one hit that resulted in a loose ball that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
It won’t be easy to find another Witherspoon, but one player who has a similar level of quickness and toughness is Clemson’s Avieon Terrell.
Terrell, the brother of former Atlanta Falcons first-round pick A.J. Terrell, has the tenacity and physical willingness to play inside. He also has the quickness to work in the slot at the next level. He had three interceptions and 25 passes defended in three years at Clemson.
Terrell could be a candidate for the Cowboys at pick No. 20.
Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds: In theory, Ponds projects as a good NFL slot corner. The interesting thing? He didn’t play there in college. Ponds played outside at Indiana and thrived, despite being listed at only 5-foot-9. He had two interceptions during this national championship run, including one for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Ponds appears to have a similar tenacity to what Lewis brought when he was with the Cowboys. In theory, if Ponds is able to move to the inside, he could replicate his role, too.
Miami CB Keionte Scott: How about another slot corner from the national championship game? There were a lot of reasons Miami went on its run to the championship. Scott was surely one of them. Scott was a disruptive playmaker for the Hurricanes. He had a pivotal forced fumble against Texas A&M, then an interception return for a touchdown in the win over Ohio State.
The only problem with Scott is his age. He’ll be 25 as a rookie.
The Cowboys don’t have a day two selection, but if they acquire one, then Scott could be a target.
Free agency
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton defends against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
Tony Gutierrez / AP
Indianapolis Colts CB Mike Hilton: Truth be told, the free agency options at cornerback aren’t great this year. Perhaps the best of the bunch, in terms of nickel corners, is Mike Hilton, whom the Cowboys could’ve signed last year to replace Lewis. Hilton, 31, didn’t sign with the Colts until September. His season was cut short after he earned the starting job, however. He played in only two games.
Hilton had a lot of success in both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Signing him could be a good move in the meantime while the Cowboys develop someone they draft or someone they have in-house.
In-house
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) warms up before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C.
Chitose Suzuki / Staff Photographer
CB DaRon Bland: The Cowboys have a lot of questions with their secondary. There are multiple surrounding Bland, specifically. The Cowboys signed Bland to a major extension before the start of last season. He didn’t finish the year because he needed a second foot surgery in as many years. When asked if there was any concern over Bland’s future after a second foot surgery, Jones said yes.
The Cowboys will likely acquire a starting-caliber outside corner this offseason. They will also get a full offseason from Shavon Revel, who was limited in his rookie season. Could that be enough to move Bland to the slot? Especially after he’s already been paid as an outside corner?
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