The Dallas Cowboys are facing a surprising situation with their defensive star Trevon Diggs, who is at risk of losing $500,000 from his $9 million base salary for the 2025 season. The reason? A seemingly simple decision that could cost him dearly: choosing to rehab his injury in Miami instead of at the team’s facility in Dallas.
Trevon Diggs’ Challenging Recovery Journey
Trevon Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has faced a tough road with injuries. After tearing his ACL in practice during Week 3 of the 2023 season, Diggs suffered another setback with a cartilage injury in his left knee in December 2024, sidelining him after just 11 games. In total, he has played only 13 games over the past two seasons, a concerning statistic for a player who led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021.
To return to his peak form, Diggs opted to rehab at Alkeme Sports RX in Miami under the guidance of Dr. Sharif Tabbah. He has made significant progress, including the ability to run laterally—a key milestone in his recovery. However, this decision inadvertently violated a critical clause in the 5-year, $97 million contract he signed with the Cowboys in 2023.
A Harsh Contract Clause
Diggs’ contract includes a de-escalator clause requiring him to participate in at least 84.375% of the Cowboys’ offseason program at the team’s facility to avoid a $500,000 salary reduction. This includes rehabbing injuries under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. However, Diggs has been absent from The Star in Dallas for the first three weeks of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and the initial two phases of the offseason program.
While his rehab in Miami has shown positive results, it has put him in financial jeopardy. According to ESPN, if the Cowboys enforce this clause, Diggs will lose $500,000—a significant amount for any player, even a star like him.
Cowboys’ Response and Minicamp Expectations
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously criticized Diggs’ approach to rehabbing his earlier ACL injury, suggesting that not staying at the team’s facility may have contributed to his re-injury. This time, Jones emphasized the importance of Diggs “working hard and taking it seriously” to ensure a strong return.
Executive Vice President Stephen Jones expressed hope that Diggs would attend the team’s mandatory minicamp, scheduled for June 10-12, 2025. “We understand he’s getting his work done and will be back for us to assess next week,” Jones told ESPN. If Diggs fails to attend minicamp, he could face additional fines, further complicating his financial situation.
Team Pressure and an Uncertain Future
Despite Diggs’ progress in rehab, with social media videos showing him training diligently, his decision to stay in Miami has sparked controversy. New Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided an optimistic update on Diggs’ condition but offered no specific timeline for his return. “I spoke with Trevon last week. He’s working out in Miami. All signs are positive,” Schottenheimer said.
However, with rookie Shavon Revel Jr. emerging as a potential challenger for Diggs’ spot and the looming financial commitment to star Micah Parsons, Diggs’ future with the Cowboys is uncertain. If he cannot regain his 2021 All-Pro form or continues to miss mandatory team activities, the Cowboys might consider trading or releasing him.
A Costly Lesson
Trevon Diggs’ decision to rehab in Miami, though driven by a desire to optimize his recovery, could cost him $500,000 and potentially his standing with the Cowboys. In the unforgiving world of the NFL, where every decision can impact a player’s career and finances, Diggs’ story serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor choices can lead to unexpected consequences.
Will Diggs return to Dallas and prove his worth, or is this the start of a more challenging chapter in his career? Only time will tell.