Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs is facing a costly predicament as his absence from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and other offseason programs could lead to a significant financial hit. The star player, currently rehabilitating in Miami, risks losing up to $500,000 due to a clause in his contract.
Contractual Obligations and Financial Stakes
In 2023, Trevon Diggs signed a five-year, $97 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, which includes a critical clause tied to his participation in the team’s offseason program. The agreement stipulates that Diggs must attend at least 84.375% of the program to avoid a $500,000 reduction in his base salary. This clause is not unique to Diggs, as teammates like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have similar terms, but Diggs could be the first to face the penalty if the Cowboys choose to enforce it, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
Injury and Rehabilitation Challenges
Brian Schottenheimer provides an update on Trevon Diggs: “All signs are positive.” pic.twitter.com/MXoveSNUxM
— SleeperCowboys (@SleeperCowboys) June 3, 2025
Diggs underwent surgery on his left knee in January, sidelining him for the remainder of the NFL season. While he is currently in rehabilitation, he has chosen to do so in Miami rather than in Dallas with the team’s medical staff. The contract explicitly requires him to rehab with the Cowboys’ staff for his attendance to count toward the offseason program. As a result, Diggs has already missed the first two phases of the program and recent OTAs, putting him at risk of breaching the 84.375% attendance threshold.
Potential for Further Penalties
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has expressed a preference for Diggs to rehabilitate with the team, highlighting the importance of his presence in Dallas. Should Diggs also miss the upcoming mandatory minicamp, he could face additional financial penalties on top of the potential $500,000 loss, further compounding the cost of his absence.
A High-Stakes Decision
Trevon Diggs’ decision to rehabilitate away from the team has placed him in a precarious position, both physically and financially. As the Cowboys monitor his progress, the cornerback’s absence could prove to be a costly blunder, with half a million dollars hanging in the balance. Only time will tell if Diggs can return to Dallas and salvage his standing—and his wallet—before the penalties pile up.