Since signing a five-year, $97 million contract extension in 2023, cornerback Trevon Diggs has become a focal point of tension within the Dallas Cowboys organization. His ongoing injury struggles and rehab process have strained relations between Diggs and team management, highlighting growing concerns over the Trevon Diggs Cowboys contract tension.
Injuries and Contract Reductions Stir Unrest
Over the last two NFL seasons, Diggs has missed 21 games due to severe knee issues, including a torn ACL in Week 3 of 2023 and chondral bone graft surgery on the same knee in January 2025. Currently deep in rehabilitation, his absence and recovery timeline have unsettled Cowboys executives. In response, the team invoked a de-escalator clause in Diggs’ deal in mid-July, reducing his base salary from $8.5 million by $500,000.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, made clear the consequences of Diggs’ decision to train outside the team‘s facility:
When he decided to train in South Florida, he understood what the consequences would be.
—Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President
Owner Jerry Jones reinforced this position, stating,
He didn’t earn it; he didn’t come… That’s in his contract that he doesn’t get that unless he’s going to be here.
—Jerry Jones, Owner
Michael Irvin Supports Team Leadership Amidst Growing Discontent
On Tuesday, Cowboys legend Michael Irvin publicly sided with the organization, highlighting the impact of Diggs missing workouts. In a YouTube video, Irvin said,
Trevon D will lose half a million dollars this year. His base salary was supposed to be $8.5 million. Now it will go down to 8 million, deescalator, because he didn’t make 84% of the workouts.
—Michael Irvin, Former Cowboys Wide Receiver
Irvin further challenged assumptions about money equating to leadership, explaining,
See, everybody thinks big money means big leaders, and that’s not always the case.
—Michael Irvin, Former Cowboys Wide Receiver
He stressed the importance of presence and responsibility, drawing a parallel with former Cowboy and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who despite initial reluctance, embraced his leadership role:
He even used that example of Deion Sanders… Well, we’re going to need you to do that for the team so they can see you.
—Michael Irvin, Former Cowboys Wide Receiver
Regarding Sanders, Irvin added,
He’s a leader. He doesn’t need it.
and said that although Sanders was known for avoiding the weight room, when Jerry Jones asked him to work out to inspire teammates,
He did work out to motivate his teammates
, a level of commitment Irvin suggests Diggs has not demonstrated.
Issuing a warning, Irvin remarked that
small decisions turn into big statements.
Current Status and Outlook for Diggs and the Cowboys
Despite his challenges, Trevon Diggs contributed 42 tackles and two interceptions over 11 games in the 2024 season before being sidelined for the remainder of the year. His January 2025 surgery necessitated a long rehab period expected to extend into or beyond the start of training camp held in Oxnard, California.
The Cowboys officially placed Diggs on the Physically Unable to Perform list as training camp began on July 21, signaling ongoing concerns about his recovery timeline and availability.
This situation not only tests Diggs’ ability to return to form but also underscores the team‘s delicate balance between supporting injured players and enforcing contract provisions. As the Cowboys navigate this contract tension, the coming weeks will be crucial for both Diggs and the franchise’s defensive future.