The Dallas Cowboys released veteran cornerback Trevon Diggs on Tuesday with one game remaining in the season.
From the team’s perspective, the move was a culmination of multiple factors, which included his performance on and off the field. The feeling was that it’s best for both parties to part ways.
Diggs never appeared to be a fit for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ heavy-zone scheme. The two-time Pro Bowler has been at his best in his career when playing man coverage.
Injuries were also an issue this season as Diggs dealt with a knee injury and then suffered a concussion at his home in October. He was then placed on injured reserve. After he returned to practice Nov. 30, it was unclear when he’d be active for a game because of other behind-the-scenes issues with the team.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer had talked about wanting to see more from Diggs on and off the field before making him active.
“I don’t know the special requirements that I need to show that I can play,” Diggs said while he was practicing but not active for games. “I’ve been at practice. I’ve been practicing well, running around, doing what I’m supposed to. It’s not my decision, at the end of the day. We just have to wait and see.”
He was finally active for a game in Dallas’ Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He then played again last week in the Cowboys win at Washington.
Diggs, who had three years left on his contract, continued to say that he wanted to remain with the Cowboys beyond this season. Diggs will cost the Cowboys about $5.8 million in dead cap money in 2026.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that any team claiming Diggs would be responsible for his remaining $472,222 guaranteed game check this season, making it likely that he clears waivers and then will become a free agent.
Cornerback will be one of the Cowboys’ top offseason needs. DaRon Bland, who recently suffered a season-ending foot injury, and rookie Shavon Revel are expected to be two of their starters in 2026. But at least one more starting-caliber corner is needed. That other corner wasn’t expected to be Diggs. Had he not been released Tuesday, the two were likely to part ways in the offseason.