Trevon Diggs Released by Cowboys, How Move Impacts NFL Salary Cap After $97M Contract

With one more game remaining in the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys reportedly decided to move on from one of their most notable defensive players.

ESPN's Todd Archer reported Tuesday that Dallas released cornerback Trevon Diggs. That means he will become a free agent if he goes unclaimed throughout the waiver process.

Diggs' five-year, $97 million contract with the Cowboys was set to expire after the 2028 season.

While the timing of this is certainly notable, Jane Slater of NFL Network reported Diggs said he is healthy and wants to join a team for the postseason.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the cornerback's release was a "culmination of multiple factors spread over time, including both performance and other elements. The team felt it was best for both Trevon and the Cowboys to move on at this point."

NFL insider Jordan Schultz added that Diggs filed a request with head coach Brian Schottenheimer to stay in Washington, D.C. after the team's Christmas Day game against the Commanders because he has family in the area.

According to Schultz, Schottenheimer and the Cowboys denied Diggs' request.

It wasn't that long ago the Alabama product was seen as one of the best cornerbacks in the league.

He was a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro selection in 2021 when he led the NFL in interceptions (11), interception return yards (142) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (two). He followed that up with a Pro Bowl season in 2022 and appeared to be a foundational cornerstone for the Cowboys.

However, Diggs played just two games in 2023 and 11 games in 2024. He has appeared in a mere eight games this year as durability remained a concern.

But it isn't the only concern.

With the interceptions no longer piling up like they did during Diggs' breakout season in 2021, his issues in coverage have stood out even more. And opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed nearly a perfect passer rating when targeting him this season:

That surely isn't particularly enticing for teams in the playoff picture that may be looking to make a late addition, although perhaps front offices will convince themselves a change of scenery could help Diggs rediscover his old form.

For now, though, his immediate future is uncertain after the Cowboys decided to part ways with the 2020 second-round pick.