The Dallas Cowboys are looking to improve on their 7-10 record from a season ago and the first step took place during OTAs. The voluntary workouts were the first official activity under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and look to get back to their winning ways, including three straight 12-win seasons from 2021 to 2023.
While Schottenheimer is trying to establish his culture, there have been some bumps in the road. Some are out of his control as the Cowboys drag their feet on Micah Parsons’s next contract but others have involved the actions of his players. That includes one starter who was not present during OTAs and could have his absence come back to haunt him when the season begins.
Trevon Diggs’ Absence Overshadows Cowboys OTAs
The drama surrounding cornerback Trevon Diggs started long before this month’s workouts. The 26-year-old led the NFL with 11 interceptions during the 2021 season, and another Pro Bowl season in 2022 helped him earn a five-year, $97 million contract. While he established himself as one of the league’s elite defenders, he tore his ACL in September of 2023 and missed the final 15 games of the season.
Diggs returned to play in 11 games, making 42 total tackles, 11 pass breakups, and a pair of interceptions last season. But it didn’t keep him off the shelf as he underwent a knee procedure at the end of the year. When Jerry Jones was asked about when he could return this season, he hinted that Diggs didn’t work hard enough to return to his All-Pro form after his torn ACL.
“He’s working hard,” Jones said via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “That’s very important because if he will be very good and diligent in his rehab process then he’ll get back quicker. And when he does get back, he’ll be sounder. If he has not worked as hard, he is more subject to injury. He’s learned that one time.
“I have a lot of hope that his actual rehab and experience from the time before is really helping him out. I think it is.”
The comments didn’t sit well with Diggs, who dropped a series on YouTube documenting his recovery. But instead of showing up to OTAs to send a message, he opted to continue his rehab in Miami.
To his credit, Diggs has shown signs of progress working with his personal trainer. But it comes before an extremely important season. The Cowboys selected East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the third round of April’s draft, and Dallas can get out of Diggs’ contract next year, saving $12.5 million with a trade or release before June 1.
While coaches often remind the media that the workouts are voluntary, Diggs’ absence speaks volumes and could cost him part of his contract. It could lead to him playing somewhere else after this season.