Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: CB Cobie Durant

There are a lot of newcomers in the Cowboys’ secondary, some bringing valuable experience and others exciting upside. Cobie Durant is in that first group, looking to help Dallas’ restore defensive solvency after a successful run with the Rams. Durant has has been on three-straight playoff teams before 2026, and Cowboys fans hope that he keeps the streak going.

Background

Years in NFL: 4
Acquired by: Free agency (2026)

Durant was a fourth-round pick by Los Angeles in 2022, the spring after their last Super Bowl victory. As a rookie, he played a primary backup role as the fourth CB with the ability to help in the slot and outside. He appeared in 13 games and got one start, with a surprising three interceptions despite his smaller role. He finished second on the team to star Jalen Ramsey, who went to the Pro Bowl that year with four picks.

Durant became the primary nickel back in his second year, starting nine games, and then a full-time starter for the last two years. He’s had mixed reviews along the way, with struggles in coverage and run defense at times but then some keys positive plays in big moments. Durant’s two interceptions of Caleb Williams in the Rams’ road playoff win last January were career highlights. But it was also a strong year overall: Durant was Pro Football Focus’ 39th-best cornerback in 2025, up from being ranked 95th the year before.

As a free agent this March, Durant was quickly signed by Dallas as part of its defensive renovation. After the front office admitted to missing Jourdan Lewis slot corner skills last year, Durant’s experience in that role points to a likely reason that he’s here. But with his improved play as an outside corner, the flexibility will be key given the many moving parts the Cowboys are currently working with.

Contract Status

Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: $4 million

While not a lot of money in the grand scheme of CB contracts, $4 million is enough to suggest that Durant is expected to at least be a key roleplayer in 2026. But only $1.5 million of that is guaranteed, so the Cowboys have left themselves with an escape hatch if he doesn’t transition well to a new team, or if better options emerge this summer.

2026 Projections

Role: Backup CB
Roster Chance: 90%

Even with so many variables among Dallas’ 2026 defensive backs, Durant’s roster spot feels fairly certain. Some of those x-factors work in his favor, like the medical unreliability of DaRon Bland or the inexperience of prospects like Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, and rookie Devin Moore. But other factors, such as the ability of safeties Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, and P.J. Locke to all play slot corner, could hurt Durant’s value.

Even if Downs is the primary nickel back and pushes Durant to more of a true backup role, his experience in a key role with a playoff-contending team will matter in the locker room. His versatility also adds weight, making him a complementary teammate to Bland. Durant can be moved based on wherever Christian Parker thinks Bland is most effective, or fill in whatever gap if Bland misses time.

While he’s not the most prolific of Dallas’ offseason arrivals, Cobie Durant brings one thing most of them are lacking in terms of his postseason experience. He helped get the Rams back to the NFC Championship Game just last year, a goal that the Cowboys have been chasing for three decades. If he can provide veteran leadership in addition to filling multiple positions, Durant may end up as one of this year’s underrated additions.

Check out our previous player profiles from this series:

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