On Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys took a surprising step by cutting cornerback Trevon Diggs. That decision was based on a lot of things that were even before his last performance. The change came after worries about his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee. His on-field rehab process as well as some questions surrounding the team’s defensive scheme both contributed to the serious decision.
On the day of his release, Diggs had a very candid conversation with then-offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. During their brief conversation, he found out about the great news. The Cowboys were frustrated this year with Diggs’ commitment to his rehab process. This anger was a major factor in their unanimous decision to sever ties with him.
On top of that, Diggs has a history of publicly undermining the scheme of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus this year. It’s all part of his plan to play more man-to-man coverage. This time, it demonstrates he is out of step with the long-term strategic vision of the team. This interpersonal tension likely contributed to the Cowboys’ abrupt decision to fire him.
So on the final day before his release, Diggs … went up to Schottenheimer in the locker room. Following the Cowboys’ 30-23 victory, he inquired about remaining in the region so that he could be closer to his family. Schottenheimer rejected this request, explaining the protocol doesn’t allow for individual player travel and that travel had to be done as a team.
They understand that my door is perpetually open. If they do have questions or issues, I’d love to write about those and fill the knowledge gap! Schottenheimer stated regarding player communication.
Things followed a downward spiral after Diggs no-showed the Cowboys’ flight back home. This factor was the greatest driving force behind all of the team’s subsequent decision-making. Schottenheimer remarked, “This decision that was made was very difficult. This decision was not made because he chose to not get on a plane. That was not the only factor involved, and I think that’s important.”
“Despite this ongoing fracas, Schottenheimer gushed over Diggs. When I look back on it, I really do like Trevon. I want what’s best for him,” he noted, highlighting the personal aspect of the decision.
When other players made similar requests, it had been the Cowboys’ coaching staff that recommended against the move. This choice further strengthened their resolve to keep the team together. Schottenheimer countered that Diggs was in violation of this policy, which became part of the overall assessment of his behavior.
In light of Diggs’ release, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky suggested that Diggs may attract interest from other teams such as the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Now, of course, Diggs has displayed this level of greatness and talent before. That puts him in a pretty good position to find a new landing spot somewhere around the league.
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