The Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with one of their former defensive stars, cornerback Trevon Diggs. The team placed Diggs on waivers on December 30, 2025, marking a definitive end to a chapter that began with immense promise but was ultimately derailed by a combination of physical setbacks and off-field complications.
A Decision Built on Multiple Factors
The move to release the two-time Pro Bowler was not made in haste. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer pointed to a confluence of issues that led to the organisation's final call. While Diggs was once a cornerstone of the secondary, his recent seasons were plagued by availability and performance concerns.
Injuries played a massive role. Diggs missed multiple games in the 2025 season following knee surgeries and a concussion sustained in October. Medical reports confirmed the concussion resulted from a domestic accident—a TV mount and pole falling on his head at home—dispelling any wilder rumours about its cause. Although he returned to the field, the explosive playmaking that defined his All-Pro 2021 season, where he snagged 11 interceptions, was absent. In eight games this season, he managed only 25 tackles and zero interceptions.
Protocol Breaches and Internal Friction
Beyond the injury report, adherence to team protocols became a significant point of contention. Earlier in the season, the Cowboys docked Diggs a substantial $500,000 for completing his mandatory rehabilitation away from the team's facility in Dallas. Instead, he opted to rehab in South Florida, a direct violation of his contractual obligations.
Further friction emerged after the Cowboys' Christmas Day game in Washington. Diggs requested permission to stay back in D.C. with family instead of returning immediately with the team. The Cowboys denied this request. While online speculation swirled about him defying orders to attend a concert, no credible evidence supports that claim. It is also crucial to note that the Cowboys' management never publicly branded Diggs a "mental headache," though internal frustrations were undoubtedly present.
Fresh Start in Green Bay, Roster Reset for Dallas
The waiver process moved quickly, with the Green Bay Packers claiming Diggs just one day after his release. For Diggs, this offers a critical opportunity to reboot his career in a new environment and attempt to recapture his Pro Bowl form, provided he can maintain his health.
For the Dallas Cowboys, this strategic move ahead of their season finale is primarily about future planning. Releasing Diggs now helps reduce salary cap hits for the 2026 season and provides the front office with greater flexibility to reshape the roster in the coming offseason. The team's focus has squarely shifted to building for the future.
Diggs acknowledged the turn of events on social media, expressing gratitude for his time in Dallas and optimism for the next steps with the Packers. This transaction closes a dramatic period for both the player and the franchise, as each sets their sights on a new beginning in 2026.
