Caleb Downs is arguably coming off his best game as a pro. The Dallas Cowboys rookie was a gamechanger in both phases of the game against Indianapolis and looks to continue that momentum down the homestretch of the 2026 season. To do so will take a little cooperation from the team and recent injuries has made that cooperation less than a sure thing.
Most agree, Downs is at his best when he’s not forced into a traditional deep safety role. The former first-round pick thrives in the box and close to the line of scrimmage. Whether it’s as a nickel cornerback, box safety, APEX defender or mid-field rover, Downs is best in the thick of it.
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Unfortunately, the Cowboys’ needs at the safety position may force Downs to move. Already down starter Jalen Thompson, Dallas is likely to be without safety PJ Locke for the foreseeable future. Back-to-back concussions are threatening his availably this season and safety options are limited without him.
Pure need may force Downs out of his ideal role and into a traditional safety role opposite Malik Hooker. That is, unless the Cowboys are willing to get creative.
DaRon Bland’s 2026 has been a disaster. The former All-Pro has been missing a step since returning from a pair of foot injuries and has been one of the most victimized cornerbacks in the league this year. The push to move him to nickel has been met with resistance from the Cowboys, but at some point, something has got to give.
In an effort to salvage Bland’s season, it might make sense to deploy him into select safety roles. Such a move would mask some of his issues with speed on the outside and allow Downs to stay in his ideal role in the box. Bland as a part-time safety would open up a vacancy on the outside but that could potentially get filled second year pro Shavon Revel who’s been seemingly in the doghouse as of late.
