The Green Bay Packers found themselves in a bind last season, especially when it came to their cornerback situation. With their secondary struggling, they took a bold step by signing Trevon Diggs after his release from the Dallas Cowboys. It was a move that highlighted head coach Matt LaFleur's urgent need for help in the backfield.
The decision to part ways with Diggs, however, seems to have been a smart one for the Packers. By releasing him, they freed up $15 million in cap space, giving them more flexibility in the offseason. There was always the possibility of bringing Diggs back on a more team-friendly deal, but as the market shows, interest in him has been lukewarm at best.
Diggs' connection with Micah Parsons might have played a role in his initial move to Green Bay, but even that camaraderie couldn’t secure his spot. General Manager Brian Gutekunst allowed Diggs to explore free agency, and so far, there haven’t been any takers. Based on his recent performances and the numbers, it’s not surprising that teams are hesitant.
Spotrac suggests Diggs' next contract could be around one year for $7.5 million, but that figure might continue to drop. The Packers could afford to offer him a deal with incentives, but it's uncertain if they even want to. With $22.1 million in cap space, every decision counts for Gutekunst and his team.
There are valid reasons for the Packers’ caution. Beyond any off-field concerns, Diggs isn’t the player he once was. Once a leader in interceptions and a constant threat for pick-sixes, he's now dealing with injuries and has been repeatedly exposed by opposing offenses.
Last season’s stats paint a clear picture: Pro Football Focus ranked him 68th out of 114 cornerbacks, with a grade of 59.8. In 283 coverage snaps, he failed to snag an interception, allowed 16 receptions at an average of 17.9 yards each, and had an opposing quarterback passer rating of 157.2 against him. With no pass breakups to his name, Diggs' performance suggests he’s more of a backup option at this stage.
In the end, the Packers' decision to move on from Diggs seems justified. It’s a strategic move that aligns with their current needs and financial considerations, setting them up for a more flexible offseason.