Trevon Diggs: Is He Still a Good CB? What Happened, and Why Did the Cowboys & Packers Release Him?

Trevon Diggs once stood among the NFL’s elite cornerbacks, dazzling fans and analysts alike with his interception prowess and lockdown coverage. However, recent events—including injuries, performance struggles, off-field questions, and surprising team moves—have dramatically changed the narrative around this former Pro Bowler. Here’s a deep look at what happened to Trevon Diggs, why the Cowboys and Packers released him, and where his career might go from here.

Who is Trevon Diggs? Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Trevon Diggs entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick (51st overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft. At the University of Alabama, he showcased elite physical traits—size, ball skills, and competitive instincts—that translated quickly at the professional level. Early in his career:

• 2021 Breakout Season: Diggs led the NFL with an astonishing 11 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors.

• Pro Bowl Selections: He was selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022, establishing himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks.

• Impact on Defense: His ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ secondary during his peak.

At this point, Diggs was widely considered a rising star with superstar potential—quick, physical, and with a knack for game-changing plays.

Was Trevon Diggs Really That Good? A Critical Look

In his prime, yes—Trevon Diggs was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL:

✅ Strengths

• Elite Ball Skills: He had a rare ability to anticipate and jump routes, leading to high interception totals.

• Turnover Creator: Turnovers are game-changers, and Diggs was one of the league’s best at forcing them early in his career.

• Height and Length: At roughly 6’1″ with long arms, he could physically match up with bigger receivers.

Weaknesses

• Coverage Consistency: Scouts sometimes noted that while Diggs could make highlight plays, he occasionally gambled and got “burned” when his reads were off.

• Run Support & Tackling: He wasn’t always reliable against the run or in tackling smaller, shiftier receivers.

Overall, during his best years (2021–2022), Diggs wasn’t just good—he was impactful and a true difference-maker. But things began to change with injuries and inconsistent play.

What Happened to Trevon Diggs? Injuries and Decline

The turning point in Trevon Diggs’ career came with injuries that dramatically limited his playing time and effectiveness.

Injury History

• Torn ACL (2023): Early in the 2023 season, Diggs suffered a torn ACL, sidelining him for most of the year.

• Knee Issues & Concussion (2024–2025): In the following seasons, knee soreness and a concussion further interrupted his ability to stay healthy and consistent.

These injuries not only cost Diggs time on the field but also seemed to affect his ability to return to the elite form he once had.

Performance Drop

From 2023 onward:

• His interception totals plummeted.

• He played fewer games due to injury and inconsistency.

• His overall grades and defensive metrics dropped compared with other top cornerbacks in the league.

By 2025—despite flashes of his old ability—he was not living up to expectations or the hefty contract he signed in 2023.

Cowboys Release Trevon Diggs: Why It Happened

On December 30, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys officially waived Trevon Diggs, ending his six-season stint with the franchise.

Key Reasons

1. Injury Concerns: Persistent knee problems and concussion issues raised concerns about his long-term health and availability.

2. Production Decline: After leading the league in interceptions earlier in his career, he posted no interceptions in 2025 and limited defensive impact.

3. Contract Considerations: Diggs signed a significant extension in 2023, but because much of the deal was not fully guaranteed, the Cowboys chose to move on.

4. Off-Field and Team Dynamics: Reports pointed to disagreements over his rehabilitation and attendance at team-required rehab sessions, leading to fines and friction within the organization.

In short, the Cowboys decided that his injury history, declining play, and contract situation made him expendable, even though he had once been a defensive centerpiece.

Packers Claim Trevon Diggs—Then Release Him Again

One day after being released by Dallas, the Green Bay Packers claimed Trevon Diggs off waivers on December 31, 2025.

Why the Packers Initially Picked Him Up

The Packers were dealing with their own injury issues in the secondary and hoped that Diggs could add depth and possibly return to his top form. Early reports even quoted Diggs expressing optimism about a fresh start and the opportunity to prove himself in Green Bay.

Brief Tenure

However, before the 2025 season ended:

• Diggs played only two games with the Packers.

• In the playoff loss, he logged just one defensive snap.

On January 20, 2026, Green Bay officially released Trevon Diggs, clearing more than $15 million in salary cap space, as his contract had no guarantees beyond the current season.

Reasons for the Packers’ Decision

• Limited Impact: With minimal contribution on the field, the Packers didn’t see the value in keeping him around at his contract value.

• Salary Cap Implications: Releasing him provided significant financial flexibility as they head into the offseason.

• Depth & Performance: Other corners on the roster performed adequately, making Diggs less essential.

So, Is Trevon Diggs Still Good?

The answer depends on how you define “good.”

In His Prime

Unquestionably yes. During 2021 and 2022, Diggs was among the league’s best cornerbacks—a playmaker capable of turning games around.

In Recent Seasons

The answer is more complicated:

• He has struggled to stay healthy, consistent, and productive.

• His effectiveness in coverage has decreased.

• Teams have moved on due to performance and contract considerations.

Right now, he’s viewed more as a high-reward gamble with risk rather than a reliable shutdown cornerback.

What’s Next for Trevon Diggs?

As of January 2026, Trevon Diggs is a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team that believes he still has value.

Possible Paths Forward

• One-Year “Prove It” Deal: A short contract with lower financial risk allows him to show he can return to form.

• Depth Role: Some teams may view him as veteran depth in their secondary.

• Rehabilitation & Training: How he recovers physically and mentally from recent injuries will be key.

The coming months—especially the NFL free-agency period—will tell whether teams are willing to bet on his resurgence.

FAQs About Trevon Diggs

1. Why was Trevon Diggs released by the Cowboys?

Diggs was released due to a combination of injuries, reduced performance, and disagreements about rehab protocols. The Cowboys also took financial considerations into account due to non-guaranteed money in his contract.

2. Did the Packers sign Trevon Diggs after the Cowboys released him?

Yes. The Packers claimed him off waivers on December 31, 2025, hoping he could add depth, but later released him in January 2026.

3. Is Trevon Diggs still a good NFL cornerback?

He showed elite ability early in his career, but injuries and inconsistency have impacted his current effectiveness. He’s no longer considered among the top cornerbacks in the league.

4. What were Trevon Diggs’ best seasons?

Diggs’ best seasons were 2021 and 2022 when he made Pro Bowls and led the NFL in interceptions.

5. What might be next for Trevon Diggs?

As a free agent, Diggs could sign a short contract with a team looking for cornerback depth or a veteran presence, especially if he can prove he’s healthy.

Conclusion

Trevon Diggs’ journey from rising star to free agent in early 2026 is one of the most dramatic shifts in recent NFL cornerback careers. Once among the league’s most promising defenders, his trajectory changed due to injuries, performance struggles, and contract realities. While teams have released him, his story isn’t necessarily over—that next opportunity could define whether he regains his former dominance or transitions into a different role.