Trevon Diggs’ release from the Dallas Cowboys had been inevitable for quite some time. From the way he handled his 2023 rehab, to the way he the ghosted the team over the offseason, to the way he conducted business on the field, Diggs’ fate seemed sealed before the 2025 season even began.
When Diggs decided to skip the team flight home following a Week 17 division win against the Washington Commanders, the inevitable was expedited. Releasing Diggs prior to the Week 18 finale spoke volumes on the Cowboys’ part. It was done with prejudice, and it was done as a statement.
Athleticism, decision-making, effort and attitude all played a bigger part in his release than his fit within the system. A system, I might add, that will probably change over the offseason. Diggs’ release was a statement. It begs the question: Will further statements be made over the offseason?
By all accounts Diggs had fallen out of favor with the Cowboys. His fit in Matt Eberflus’ zone-heavy system was poor, but it was a handful of other factors that truly led to his departure. Two season-ending injuries in back-to-back years had taken a toll on Diggs’ body. Even when called to play man defense, Diggs’ bread and butter, the former All-Pro struggled to play the game.
As far as roster cuts, Cowboys fans should expect a few. Terence Steele and his $18,125,000 million cap charge seem like a safe bet to go, as does Logan Wilson and his $6,550,000 cap number. At the cost of $21,500,000 there is some question as to Kenny Clark’s place on the team but as a top four defensive linemen and valued team leader, he’s probably a safe bet to return.
Regardless of how it shakes out for any of these players, no remaining Cowboys player will be met with the same emphatic gusto than that which was made in Diggs’ release.
Steele, Wilson and Clark are all beloved men within the Cowboys organization. If they do ultimately get released it will be because the juice is no longer worth the squeeze. In other words, they’re paid too much. A case can be made Steele should have been released years ago and if it wasn’t for his relationship with the coaching staff and front office, he probably would have been. Diggs didn’t get that grace.
It’s safe to say Dallas hopes a new system and full offseason of preparation make Shevon Revel Diggs’ replacement on the boundary. But Revel’s existence on the roster likely had nothing to do with Diggs’ release.
At the end of the day, there will probably be no more statement releases by the Cowboys. Players will be cut but it will have more to do with cap cost than anything. It’s a new day in Dallas and hopefully the Cowboys and Diggs each find peace moving forward.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Trevon Diggs was a statement release, which Cowboys could be next?
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
