Trevon Diggs’ departure from the Dallas Cowboys may have felt abrupt to fans, but inside the organization, it was viewed as the natural conclusion of a long-simmering situation.
While the move was officially tied to performance and health concerns, those close to the team suggest the real reasons were far more complicated, as the belief is the Cowboys chose to step away from a relationship that had gradually broken down.
Former Dallas wide receiver Jesse Holley offered insight into the internal climate surrounding Diggs on the Hangin’ with The ‘Boys podcast. According to Holley, Diggs‘ exit had been anticipated within the locker room for months.
He pointed to reported confrontations with coaches and growing friction with members of the defensive staff. Diggs was also said to operate within a small inner circle of teammates, which at times created distance between him and the broader locker room culture. For many inside the building, the writing was already on the wall.
“He had certain people that hung with him,” said Holley. “Some of the things that may have been talked about within that click. So to these guys, it’s not a surprise. It’s like we saw this coming. You saw this coming back in training camp.”
That reality contrasted sharply with how things looked not long ago. Following a lucrative contract extension, Diggs appeared poised to become a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense. His early play in the 2023 season supported that belief, as he quickly reestablished himself as one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers in coverage.
However, momentum vanished when a torn ACL suffered during a practice session abruptly ended his season and altered his trajectory with the team.
How injury damaged the relationship
The aftermath of that injury proved pivotal. While the physical recovery was challenging, the Cowboys reportedly became more concerned with Diggs‘ approach to rehabilitation.
There were growing frustrations over whether he followed team medical plans closely, and those concerns deepened when knee issues resurfaced during the 2024 season. A second surgery in early 2025 only reinforced doubts within the front office about reliability and long-term leadership.
Owner Jerry Jones eventually voiced those frustrations publicly, stressing expectations tied to Diggs’ salary and role. The message was clear: players paid at a premium level are expected to be present, engaged, and leading by example.
That expectation extended into the offseason, when the Cowboys wanted Diggs participating in the majority of voluntary workouts. Instead, he chose to train independently in South Florida, a decision that resulted in a pay reduction and further strained relations.
Despite how things ended in Dallas, Diggs‘ talent remains undeniable. His instincts and ball skills are rare, and teams pushing for playoff success will undoubtedly take notice. Still, any franchise interested in him must consider more than highlights.
Read the full article here
