What's happened
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs returned to play after a long injury absence, amid ongoing questions about his future with the team. Diggs, sidelined since Week 6 due to concussion and knee issues, played in the final game of the season, raising speculation about his potential release and salary-cap implications.
What's behind the headline?
The return of Trevon Diggs signals a complex situation for the Cowboys. His injury history and recent performance suggest he may be a salary-cap casualty this offseason. The team’s withholding of his bonus and benching indicate internal tensions, possibly driven by financial considerations or team strategy. Diggs' return, though limited, highlights his value but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding his future. The Cowboys' decision to potentially release him will likely be motivated by cap savings of around $12 million, despite his talent and past Pro Bowl status. This scenario exemplifies the broader NFL trend of teams balancing star power against financial sustainability, especially as playoff chances fade.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports Diggs' return was after a home accident and injury issues, with ongoing speculation about his future due to salary cap concerns. AP News highlights the team's injury challenges, including Quinnen Williams' absence, and notes Diggs' potential release as a cost-cutting move. Both sources emphasize the uncertainty surrounding Diggs's status, with the Post focusing on his injury and team disputes, and AP providing context on the team's injury roster and financial considerations. The contrasting perspectives underscore the tension between player value and team financial strategy as the Cowboys conclude their season.
How we got here
Trevon Diggs, a key Cowboys cornerback, suffered a torn ACL in 2025, leading to multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery. His absence this season was marked by injury and team disputes, including withholding a bonus and benching without clear explanation. His return in the final game was notable amid ongoing contract and roster uncertainties.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Trevon De'Sean Diggs is an American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Alabama.
-
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's National Football Conference East division.
-
The Los Angeles Chargers are a professional American football team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Chargers compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference West division.