NFC East Notebook: Diggs’ Return on Hold, Eagles’ QB Future in Question, Dart Embraces Leadership Role in New York
As the regular season winds down and playoff hopes hang in the balance, three NFC East franchises are navigating very different realities. In Dallas, the Cowboys are being patient with a key defensive star.
In Philadelphia, questions about the quarterback position are growing louder. And in New York, a rookie quarterback might just be the building block that helps stabilize a shaky front office.
Let’s break it down.
Cowboys Taking a Cautious Approach with Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs may feel ready, but the Cowboys aren’t rushing him back. Defensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer made it clear this week that Diggs is still in what the team calls the “ramp-up” period. After missing significant time, the star cornerback has to prove he’s ready-both physically and mentally-before he’s cleared to return.
“He’s still in the ramp-up period. I think he does feel healthy; I know he wants to play,” Schottenheimer said. “But at the end of the day, we have to do what we think is in the best interest of not just him, but also the football team.”
This isn’t just about conditioning. It’s about re-integrating into a defense that’s evolved in his absence.
New faces have emerged, schemes have shifted, and communication is key-especially in the secondary. Schottenheimer emphasized that while the team loves what Diggs brings to the table, he has to show he’s ready to do things “the right way.”
That’s not a knock on Diggs-it’s a nod to the level of preparation and discipline the Cowboys demand as they gear up for a playoff push. With so much at stake, they’re not taking any shortcuts.
Eagles’ QB Situation Drawing League-Wide Attention
Even before Jalen Hurts’ rough outing against the Chargers-highlighted by four interceptions-league insiders had already pegged the Eagles as a team likely to target a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to multiple reports, Philadelphia’s front office is reportedly aware that the team’s recent struggles in the passing game aren’t just a slump-they may be tied to Hurts’ limitations as a passer. While Hurts has shown flashes of brilliance and undeniable toughness, the Eagles’ success last season was largely driven by a dominant offensive line and a historic campaign from running back Saquon Barkley.
One source put it bluntly: “They’ll do to Jalen what they did to Carson Wentz.”
That’s a heavy statement, and it underscores just how quickly things can shift in the NFL. Hurts, once the face of the franchise and a fan favorite, could be facing the same fate as his predecessor if the Eagles decide to reset at quarterback.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the Eagles have shown before that they’re not afraid to make bold moves when it comes to the most important position on the field.
Jaxson Dart Emerging as a Bright Spot in Giants’ Rebuild
In New York, the Giants may have found their quarterback of the future-and potentially saved their general manager’s job in the process.
Joe Schoen’s decision to trade up for Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft is starting to look like a franchise-altering move. And according to Schoen, it was a full-team effort.
“If you’re going to make the decision to move back up into the first round to get a quarterback, all hands are on deck,” Schoen said. “That was an organizational decision.
We were all on board with it. We didn’t have to sell the farm to go up and get the quarterback.
We were able to get him where we were, and again, it looks like that pick is going to pay off.”
Dart, for his part, has embraced the responsibility. He’s already built a strong relationship with Schoen and isn’t letting outside noise distract him from the job at hand.
“He’s the one who drafted me, so I definitely have a great relationship with Joe,” Dart said. “People are just gonna talk on the outside.
It’s not my business to worry about, I just worry about what I can control. First of all, I’m a winner, and we have a lot of winners in here.”
That kind of mindset is exactly what the Giants need right now. With uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff and front office, Dart’s poise and leadership could be the steadying force this team has been searching for.
Final Thoughts
The NFC East has never lacked for drama, and this season is no different. The Cowboys are making sure one of their stars is truly ready before unleashing him again.
The Eagles are facing hard questions about their quarterback-and may be preparing for a major change. And in New York, a rookie QB is giving a proud franchise a reason to believe again.
Three teams. Three very different crossroads. And as always in this division, nothing stays quiet for long.