FRISCO, Texas — In a stunning move just days before the season finale, the Dallas Cowboys have released two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs, ending a relationship that has grown increasingly strained over the past two seasons.
Diggs, 27, will go through waivers and become an unrestricted free agent if unclaimed. The Cowboys close out the 2025 season on Sunday against the New York Giants.
The decision comes after a “culmination of events, including performance,” according to a source. Diggs signed a five-year, $97 million extension in 2023 but has played in only 21 games over the past two seasons due to recurring knee injuries.
Tore his left ACL in practice in 2023Missed six games in 2024 after a chondral graft procedure on the same knee in JanuaryMissed eight games this year with a right knee issue and a concussion from an at-home accident (installing a TV mount)
In the eight games he played this season, Diggs recorded 27 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 pressures—but zero pass breakups or interceptions. He had at least one interception in each of his first five seasons, including a franchise-tying 11 in 2021 (First-Team All-Pro).
Behind the Decision
The Cowboys had growing concerns with Diggs’ rehabilitation process over the past two years. He opted to rehab in South Florida rather than under team supervision, triggering a $500,000 base salary de-escalator for 2025 when he failed to participate in 84% of the voluntary offseason program.
He also expressed frustration with the scheme, requesting more man-to-man coverage in a meeting with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus amid the secondary’s poor start.
Releasing Diggs now (rather than post-season) saves Dallas approximately $12 million in cap space for 2026, with no remaining guaranteed money beyond this year. If claimed on waivers, a team would owe him $472,000 in base salary for Week 18 (plus $58,823 if active).
The Secondary’s Bigger Picture
The move leaves Dallas thin at cornerback. DaRon Bland (former Pro Bowler) was placed on IR two weeks ago with a foot injury. The active roster features rookies Shavon Revel and Trikweze Bridges, along with Caelen Carson, Reddy Steward, and Corey Ballentine. Zion Childress is on the practice squad.
The Cowboys will need to address the position heavily this offseason—likely through free agency and the draft.
Final Thoughts
Diggs, a second-round pick in 2020, earned Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022 and was once viewed as a cornerstone of the defense. Injuries, performance decline, and off-field friction have turned what was meant to be a franchise cornerstone contract into one of the Cowboys’ biggest regrets of the post-Ferguson era.
With one game left, Dallas turns the page on a talented but troubled tenure.