The Rise of Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs, a former star of the Alabama Crimson Tide, quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks with the Dallas Cowboys. His journey from college to the professional ranks has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Diggs made a significant impact in his early NFL career, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, he was particularly dominant, racking up 11 interceptions and scoring a couple of defensive touchdowns. His performance that year solidified his reputation as a top-tier cornerback in the league.
The Setback: A Torn ACL
However, the trajectory of Diggs’ career took a dramatic turn in 2023 when he suffered a torn ACL early in the season. This injury not only halted his on-field success but also raised questions about his durability and long-term prospects. Since his second Pro Bowl selection, Diggs has played in a mere 13 games, and his performance in 2024, while he was on the field for 11 contests, was largely ineffective. The toll of the injury and the subsequent recovery process has visibly impacted his game, leaving the Cowboys and fans alike wondering about his future with the team.
A Contract Conundrum
The Cowboys find themselves in a challenging position with Diggs. In July 2023, he signed a five-year, $97 million extension, which binds him to the team through 2028. This contract, while a testament to his talent and potential, has now become a significant financial burden. The injury and decline in performance have transformed Diggs from a valuable asset into a potential albatross for the Cowboys. The team must navigate this complex situation carefully, balancing the need to manage their salary cap and the desire to maintain a competitive roster.
The Trade Window
Sterling Xie of Pro Football Network believes that Diggs still holds trade value despite his recent setbacks. The Cowboys may consider trading him to save on cap space before his $9 million injury guarantee kicks in on March 16. According to Xie, "The Cowboys must trade him by then to save any cap room ($3.6 million)." The possibility of fetching a solid Day 2 draft pick in a trade is an enticing prospect for Dallas. Given that Diggs will turn 27 in September, there is a reasonable expectation that he could still have several productive years left in his career, especially if he can fully recover from his injury and regain his form.
The Market for Diggs
The key question remains: will other NFL teams be interested in taking on Diggs’ contract given his recent injury history and the decline in his performance? The answer is not straightforward. While some teams might be hesitant to take on such a financially significant and potentially risky move, others might see the value in acquiring a talented cornerback with a proven track record and the potential for a strong comeback. The Cowboys will need to negotiate carefully and may have to include incentives or partial guarantees to make the deal more attractive to potential suitors.
A Legacy of Resilience
Before his NFL career, Diggs spent four seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, from 2016 to 2019. During this time, he helped the team secure a national championship in his sophomore year. His college career laid the foundation for his professional success, showcasing his skills and work ethic. The journey from a championship-winning college player to a Pro Bowl cornerback is a testament to Diggs’ talent and determination. Now, as he faces one of the biggest challenges of his career, his resilience and dedication will be put to the test. The football world will be watching closely to see how he navigates this difficult period and whether he can once again rise to the top of his game.
