Trevon Diggs Nears Return for Cowboys, But Is His Future in Dallas Still Secure?
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Week 15 primetime showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, they may be getting a key piece of their defense back on the field. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, sidelined since mid-October with a concussion, told reporters Friday that he’s “feeling good” and expects to suit up on Sunday night. That would mark his third straight practice this week - a strong signal that he’s trending toward being active.
For a team looking to make a deep playoff push, getting Diggs back is no small development. But the bigger story might not be his return to the lineup - it’s what comes next.
Diggs’ Rocky Road Since Signing His Extension
Just a year and a half ago, Diggs looked like a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense for years to come. In July 2023, Dallas handed him a five-year, $97 million extension - a deal that reflected his back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons and an All-Pro nod that had him firmly in the conversation among the league’s top corners.
But since that contract was signed, Diggs has struggled to stay on the field - and when he has played, the results haven’t matched the paycheck. He’s appeared in just 19 games since the start of the 2023 season, including only two this year. And in those limited snaps, the production has been far from elite.
According to Pro Football Focus, Diggs has allowed 11 completions on 15 targets for 216 yards and three touchdowns this season. Opposing quarterbacks have posted a near-perfect 154.9 passer rating when throwing his way. That’s a steep drop-off from the playmaker who once led the league in interceptions and routinely blanketed top receivers.
Part of the issue may lie in scheme - defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has leaned heavily on zone coverage, which doesn’t always play to Diggs’ strengths as a ball-hawking man-to-man corner. But even so, the eye test and the numbers both point to a player still searching for his form - and perhaps his fit in this version of the Cowboys' defense.
“I Love Dallas” - But Will Dallas Love Him Back?
Diggs isn’t blind to the situation. Speaking candidly on Friday, he acknowledged the business side of the NFL, saying:
“I love Dallas. But, you know, at the end of the day, it’s a business.
Whatever happens, happens. I’m prepared, I’m ready for it.
I would love to be here. I love everything that comes with Dallas - the fans, the relationships I’ve built here.
But if that’s not what it is, that’s just not what it is.”
It’s the kind of honest, reflective comment you hear from a player who knows his future is far from guaranteed - and who understands that the next few weeks could go a long way in determining whether he remains in the Lone Star State.
The Cap Hit and the Cowboys’ Cornerback Depth
Here’s the financial reality: Diggs is set to carry an $18.4 million cap hit next season. That’s a big number for a player who hasn’t been able to stay healthy or deliver consistent performance. If Dallas were to move on this offseason, they’d free up significant cap space - money that could be reallocated to other needs across the roster.
And it’s not as if the cupboard is bare at corner. DaRon Bland has emerged as one of the league’s most opportunistic defensive backs, Shavon Revel Jr. has flashed solid potential, and rookie Caelen Carson is developing into a reliable contributor. Jerry Jones and the front office could reasonably feel comfortable going into 2026 with that trio leading the secondary, especially if they supplement the group through free agency or the draft.
The Final Stretch: Diggs’ Audition for 2026
The bottom line? The final stretch of the season is more than just a playoff push for the Cowboys - it’s an audition for Diggs. If he can get back on the field and show flashes of the player who once terrorized quarterbacks and made highlight-reel interceptions a weekly occurrence, he’ll make a strong case to remain a central figure in Dallas’ defensive plans.
But if the struggles continue - if the coverage remains leaky, the communication issues persist, or the injuries pile up - then the Cowboys may decide the best path forward involves moving on from one of their most talented, yet unpredictable, players.
Trevon Diggs still wants to be a Cowboy. Now it’s up to him to make sure the Cowboys want that too.
