Tag: Trevon Diggs

The Dallas Cowboys have officially enforced a salary de-escalation clause in Trevon Diggs’ contract, reducing his 2025 base salary from $9 million to $8.5 million. The decision stems from Diggs’ choice to rehab away from the team facility in South Florida, which fell short of the participation threshold required by his contract.

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones emphasized that the clause was clear and mutually understood when Diggs opted not to train at the facility.

Cowboys enforce de-escalation clause to uphold contract terms and player accountability

The Cowboys routinely include de-escalation clauses in large player contracts to ensure offseason participation. While the team had the discretion to waive the penalty, they chose to enforce it in Diggs’ case, marking the first time a player has been penalized under this clause. According to his agreement, Diggs was required to be present for at least 84.375% of the offseason program to avoid the salary cut.

Team owner Jerry Jones reinforced the organization’s stance, stating that Diggs didn’t fulfill his contractual obligation. Jones stressed the importance of setting an example, particularly for high-paid players like Diggs. By not attending rehab sessions at the facility, Diggs failed to meet expectations, prompting the team to act in accordance with the agreement and maintain consistency in how such clauses are treated.

Injury Rehab Choices Raise Concerns About Commitment, Leadership, and Long-Term Availability

Diggs is currently recovering from a chondral bone graft surgery on the same knee where he tore his ACL during the 2023 season. His decision to rehab independently has drawn criticism from within the organization, especially in light of concerns about his long-term availability. The procedure is serious and could potentially sideline him for the entire 2025 season, further complicating his value and presence on the field.

Jerry Jones expressed disappointment, highlighting the need for leadership from elite players, especially those with lucrative contracts like Diggs’ five-year, $97 million extension signed in 2023.

Drawing comparisons to former players like Deion Sanders, Jones emphasized that highly paid athletes are expected to lead by example, including showing visible commitment during the offseason. The incident underscores the team’s emphasis on presence, professionalism, and accountability.

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.

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.

While the Dallas Cowboys have maintained a publicly optimistic stance on Trevon Diggs’ recovery, insiders suggest a more troubling reality. Diggs, who previously tore his ACL, is currently rehabbing from a cartilage surgery that ended his 2024 season prematurely. Despite expectations for a strong return, his rehab is reportedly progressing more slowly than hoped, raising concerns behind the scenes at The Star.

Diggs Likely to Miss Training Camp, Week 1 Status in Serious Doubt

There is growing speculation within the organization that Diggs might not be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones recently acknowledged that there’s a “good chance” Diggs won’t be available by Week 1. Given his reliance on explosiveness and agility, the nature of his knee injuries poses a serious challenge to returning to form, especially in time for training camp.

Cowboys insider Mickey Spagnola added further detail, noting that Diggs is expected to start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This could mean missing crucial preseason reps and possibly spilling over into the regular season. Missing this early ramp-up period could significantly impact his chemistry with the defense and overall readiness for live competition.

Injury Concerns May Shift Cowboys’ Draft Focus Toward Cornerbacks Over Offensive Needs

With Diggs’ status uncertain and the cornerback room depleted by injuries, the Cowboys may be forced to alter their draft priorities. The current depth chart includes several players recovering from major injuries, and with pick No. 12, Dallas may now be leaning toward selecting a cornerback. Given the limited depth in this year’s draft class at the position, the team may have to act quickly, potentially shelving plans to address running back or wide receiver early on.

Amid the Diggs uncertainty, there is some encouraging news for the Cowboys. According to Spagnola, quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive end Sam Williams are the furthest along in their offseason conditioning. Both are reportedly in strong physical shape and are expected to be ready for early practices. Their return provides a much-needed boost as the team looks to regroup and prepare for the 2025 campaign.