If there's something that has defined Brian Schottenheimer's first year in charge of the Dallas Cowboys, it is accountability. He's held players accountable by letting them know that hard work and discipline, more than talent, will get them on the field.
That's why, regardless of his pedigree and big contract, Trevon Diggs won't get back on the field until the coach believes he's ready to do so. And if that doesn't happen this season, it might not happen at all.
Brian Schottenheimer Doesn't Sound Too Worried About Trevon Diggs' Absence
According to a report by Cowboys insider Tommy Yarrish, Diggs is still in the ramp-up period of his recovery. When asked about that, the coach said that "ultimately he's got to show us he's ready to do everything the right way."
What Schottenheimer is saying is that Diggs still needs to earn his stripes just like everybody else. Judging by the way he struggled earlier in the season, his demeanor, and open criticism of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, that makes perfect sense.
Diggs called out Eberflus' schemes, even though he had been one of the main liabilities in the secondary. He has failed to replicate the same level of play from his All-Pro season, and now that he's not a ballhawk, he's too much of a liability to keep on the field. If he's also going to bring in a negative attitude, then there's simply no point in keeping him around for much longer.
Everything about Diggs' injury has been a bit mysterious. The timing was also odd, given that it came just around the time he criticized Eberflus, and there were never actual updates or details about what happened to him.
The Cowboys did fine in his absence. In six games, Diggs gave up a 68.8 percent completion percentage, 191 yards, and three touchdowns. He also posted career-worsts in yards given up per completion (17.4), yards per target (11.9), and passer rating when targeted (148.7). His Pro Football Focus grade of 58.7 ranked 67th among 109 eligible cornerbacks.
There's no way to justify paying Diggs $14.5 million, $19.5 million, and $20 million over the next three years. Releasing him would save this team roughly $54 million in cap space from 2026 to 2028. And with an up-and-coming rookie in Shavon Revel Jr. and a coach that doesn't seem too eager to get him back on the field, the writing appears to be on the wall for the Alabama product.