The 24-year-old is the latest notable defensive back talent being developed in Dallas, but unlike Trevon Diggs before him, Brand is a former fifth-round pick out of Fresno State. , that's what's making his rise (and fast). It's even more surprising for the upper echelon of cornerbacks.
To date, he has already recorded 14 interceptions, five defensive touchdowns (all pick-sixes), 22 pass breakups, and 124 total tackles in just 23 career starts. , this number is good enough for him to earn both Pro Bowler and First Player honors. Team All-Pro.
The program, which sent nearly $800,000 to Brand in April of this year, was established by the NFL and NFLPA as part of the collective bargaining agreement and is based on player compensation based on playing time compared to actual playing time. This is a fund used to supplement the salary.
As Brands can attest now, the people who get the most playing time but are paid the least are exactly the people the fund is designed to benefit from.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022, the former Bulldog earned a base salary of $870,000 in 2023 and a very modest signing bonus of just over $76,000. For reference, Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, the New York Jets' No. 4 overall pick in 2022, earned a hefty $5.4 million contract in 2023. The base salary cap for rookies is also $870,000.
In other words, Brand made more than $5.3 million less than Gardner, yet had nine more interceptions, five more pick-sixes, four more pass breakups, and 13 more combined tackles than Gardner (last season). (even though Gardner had one more start).
Needless to say, Brand is getting paid for his performance, and he and the Cowboys absolutely want to see Brand repeat his efforts in 2024.
