Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs will lose $500,000 from his 2025 base salary after failing to meet the offseason program participation requirement outlined in his contract. The clause required Diggs to be present for at least 84.375% of team-facility workouts. Since he fell short, his salary will drop from $9 million to $8.5 million. This penalty is part of a contractual de-escalator meant to ensure offseason involvement by high-profile players.
Cowboys Enforce Clause as Diggs Faces Long Road Back from Serious Knee Injury
While the Cowboys often include de-escalation clauses in large contracts, they typically have the discretion to waive enforcement. However, in this case, the team opted not to make an exception, making Diggs the first known player on the roster to have his base salary reduced due to non-compliance. The move underscores the team’s increasing emphasis on offseason attendance and rehabilitation oversight.
Trevon Diggs (NFL)Diggs has been recovering from a serious knee injury suffered during a Week 3 practice in 2023, when he tore his ACL. He underwent a chondral bone graft surgery in January 2024 to repair the same knee. This complex procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to stimulate healing and joint regeneration. As a result, Diggs’ recovery timeline remains uncertain, with the possibility that he could miss the entire 2025 season.
Team Frustrated as Diggs Chooses Miami Rehab Over Cowboys Facility, Impacting Future Outlook
A key point of contention has been Diggs’ decision to rehab away from the team facility, primarily in Miami. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly criticized this choice, suggesting it played a role in the team’s decision to enforce the salary reduction clause. The franchise appears to be sending a message about the importance of centralized rehab under the team’s supervision,
Once a standout defensive star, Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021 and earned two Pro Bowl selections. However, injuries have severely limited his recent availability — he’s played only 13 games over the past two seasons, recording just three interceptions. With a lengthy recovery still ahead, questions remain about his long-term health and future impact on the Cowboys’ defense.
