The Dallas Cowboys are parting ways with an athlete who was once viewed as the prospective cornerstone of the franchise. The organization reportedly announced the release of cornerback Trevon Diggs on Tuesday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.
This action transpires merely two years after the team granted Diggs a five-year contract extension valued at $97 million.
The 27-year-old player will be subject to the waiver process before entering the unrestricted free-agent market. Given the specifics of Diggs’ existing agreement, any acquiring team would be obligated to compensate Diggs his $472,000 base salary for the eighteenth week and an additional $58,823 if he is medically cleared for the game, as reported by Field Yates of ESPN.
Because the remainder of Diggs’ contract was not guaranteed, a team that claims him would not be responsible for the approximately $55 million Diggs was slated to receive over the subsequent three seasons had he continued with the Cowboys.
The prospect of Diggs being dismissed at the age of 27 appeared highly improbable after his initial few seasons in the National Football League. After being chosen by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Diggs delivered a respectable inaugural season.
He then prominently emerged in his second year, nevertheless, leading the NFL with eleven interceptions. This showing secured Diggs the first of consecutive Pro Bowl selections and resulted in his designation as a first-team All-Pro.
He succeeded that with a solid third campaign, intercepting three throws and securing an additional Pro Bowl berth.
After two consecutive outstanding years, Diggs received a five-year, $97 million contract extension from Dallas in July of 2023. The timing of that agreement ultimately proved unfortunate. Diggs participated in only two contests that year, suffering an ACL tear during a practice session prior to the third week. His performance had begun acceptably, having already recorded a pick and three deflections before his season-ending injury.
Despite his return for the initial week of the 2024 season, Diggs’ on-field performance was not highly rated by PFF upon his comeback. Following a period of absence later in the season due to a groin issue, it was revealed Diggs would miss the rest of the campaign for an operation on the identical knee where he sustained his 2023 ACL tear.
Diggs was absent from offseason activities and training camp during his post-surgery rehabilitation. He managed to be back for the season’s opening game, but once again exhibited subpar statistics prior to being sidelined by a concussion after only six appearances.
Following an eight-game absence, Diggs made his return for Week 16, even though Dallas was already out of playoff contention. He recorded six stops during that game. Diggs then participated again a mere four days subsequent, as the Cowboys faced the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. Diggs remained on the field for every defensive play executed by Dallas throughout that matchup.
Subsequently, five days hence, the Cowboys opted to part ways with the erstwhile All-Pro selection.
This decision coincides with the day Trevon Diggs’ sibling, Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, faced charges of assault and strangulation related to an alleged event on December 2nd.
