Trevon Diggs, once one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the NFL, is officially no longer a member of the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran cornerback was released by the Cowboys on December 30, 2025, a surprising end to a once-promising tenure in Dallas.
Who Is Trevon Diggs?
Trevon Diggs, born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, rose to prominence as a shutdown cornerback with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his ball-hawking ability and game-changing interceptions early in his career, Diggs became a fan favorite and a key defensive playmaker.
When Was Trevon Diggs Drafted?
Diggs was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Cowboys saw great potential in the Alabama product, who transitioned from wide receiver in college to cornerback in the NFL.
During his early seasons, Diggs quickly made an impact:
-
Led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
-
Two Pro Bowl selections, and standout performances that solidified his status as one of the league’s top young cornerbacks.
His early success earned him a five-year, $97 million contract extension in 2023, showcasing the Cowboys’ belief in his long-term value.
Why Did the Cowboys Release Trevon Diggs?
Although Diggs showed enormous promise, the Cowboys’ patience eventually ran out due to a combination of injuries, declining performance, and off-field concerns:
1. Persistent Injuries
After his breakout 2021 season, Diggs struggled with significant injuries:
-
A torn ACL in 2023 that ended his season prematurely.
-
Follow-up knee issues requiring surgery and extended rehab in 2024 and 2025.
-
A concussion sustained in an at-home accident that kept him out for weeks.
These health setbacks limited his availability and disrupted his on-field rhythm.
2. Declining On-Field Performance
In the 2025 season, Diggs appeared in just eight games and failed to record a single interception or pass breakup — a stark contrast to his earlier productivity.
This dropoff undermined the Cowboys’ defensive plans, especially given his high salary and expectations from his contract extension.
3. Off-Field and Team Dynamics
Beyond injuries and performance, team chemistry and internal issues played a role:
-
Diggs reportedly did not fully participate in voluntary offseason work with the team, resulting in a salary reduction under his contract’s terms.
-
A reported disagreement with head coach Brian Schottenheimer over travel and team commitments following a game in late December added strain to an already tense relationship.
4. Financial and Cap Considerations
While the Cowboys had invested heavily in Diggs’ contract, most of the guaranteed money was already paid, and cutting him now reduced future cap obligations.
Because Diggs has no guaranteed base salary beyond this season, the Cowboys had more flexibility to move on without significant long-term financial penalties.
Trevon Diggs’ Release: What Happens Next?
After his release, Diggs is subject to the NFL waiver process. If unclaimed by another team, he will become a free agent, free to sign with any club — potentially even a playoff contender looking for a veteran cornerback.
Despite the difficult ending in Dallas, Diggs is still relatively young at 27 and could attract interest from teams willing to bet on his talent and experience.
Leave a Reply