Trevon Diggs’ Strained Cowboys Tenure Amid Rehab Controversy
Trevon Diggs, a star cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, has found himself embroiled in controversy this season, a saga that began over the summer when the team docked him $500,000 for choosing to rehab away from the team facility. This decision marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship between Diggs and the Cowboys, which has only escalated with time.
Injury Woes and Uncertain Future
Earlier in the season, Diggs faced setbacks on the field, including a mysterious concussion and a persistent knee injury that ultimately landed him on injured reserve. Despite the Cowboys recently opening a 21-day practice window for him, Diggs has yet to be activated to the active roster. With only three weeks left in the season, the urgency is palpable; if he is not activated by the end of the weekend, he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Such a scenario could spell the end of his tenure with the Cowboys.
Reports indicate that the ongoing struggles have led to a significant rift between Diggs and the organization. The mixed signals from both parties have left fans and analysts alike speculating about the direction of this fraught relationship. Given the circumstances, it might be in the best interests of both Diggs and the Cowboys to part ways this offseason, allowing each to pursue a fresh start.
Financial Implications of a Split
Should the Cowboys opt to move on from Diggs, the financial ramifications could be substantial. The decision hinges on whether the team employs a pre- or post-June 1 designation for any potential trade or release.
Pre-June 1 Trade/Release: This route would yield $12.5 million in savings but carry a dead cap hit of $5.88 million. While this option allows for an immediate resolution to the ongoing drama, it also results in a higher dead cap burden.
Post-June 1 Trade/Release: In contrast, this approach could save the Cowboys between $12.5 million and $15.5 million, while only incurring a dead cap of $2.94 million. This strategy would require patience but would ultimately provide better financial flexibility.
The Cowboys may prefer to resolve this situation before free agency or the NFL Draft to clarify their plans moving forward. As the season draws to a close, it’s likely that Diggs will emerge as a prime candidate for trade or release.
Underwhelming Performance This Season
Throughout the current season, Diggs has played in just six games, accumulating a mere 18 tackles without recording an interception or pass defended. His limited contributions are particularly notable given that he has participated in only 19 out of 43 games since signing a lucrative five-year, $97 million extension with the Cowboys. This lack of availability and impact makes the decision to sever ties with Diggs all the more straightforward for the organization.
As the Cowboys navigate the complexities of this situation, the future of Trevon Diggs remains uncertain. Whether he will receive a fresh start elsewhere or remain a part of the Cowboys’ plans is a question that will linger until the offseason arrives.
