Green Bay Packers Claim Trevon Diggs Off Waivers Following Release from Cowboys

In a bold late-season move, the Green Bay Packers acted swiftly, claiming cornerback Trevon Diggs off waivers on Wednesday, just a day after his release from the Dallas Cowboys. The move sparked a succinct reaction from former Cowboys defensive teammate and All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons, who shared on X (formerly Twitter): “We’re back.” The post signified the reunion of two former Dallas defensive cornerstones, albeit with a twist, as Parsons is out for the season after tearing his ACL in Week 15.

A Reunion with Diggs: Green Bay’s Bold Decision

Trevon Diggs, who spent six seasons with the Cowboys after being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been one of the more prominent cornerbacks in recent years. His peak came in 2021, when he earned First Team All-Pro honors after recording an NFL-leading 11 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. His stellar season was the first time since 2011 that the Cowboys had two defensive players named to the First Team All-Pro, with Parsons joining him. Following that breakout, Diggs received Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022, concluding his tenure in Dallas with 240 tackles, 20 interceptions, and 63 pass deflections.

However, multiple factors led to Diggs’ departure from Dallas, despite his impressive resume. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer described the decision as the “culmination of multiple factors,” acknowledging both performance-related issues and off-field concerns. One key incident occurred on Christmas Day in Washington, D.C., when Diggs stayed behind after a game against the Commanders, violating team protocol that required players to travel back together.

Dallas had already paid out all of Diggs’ guaranteed money, and his contract carried no guaranteed salary beyond 2025, making the timing of his release financially manageable for the Cowboys.

Injury Concerns and Performance Challenges

Injuries have unfortunately been a significant part of Diggs’ recent seasons. Since signing a five-year, $97 million extension in July 2023, Diggs has only played in 21 games across three seasons. He suffered an ACL tear that limited him to just two games in 2023, and this season, he appeared in eight games, recording 25 tackles without any interceptions or passes defended. He finished the year with a 56.1 overall grade, ranking 80th among 113 qualifying cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

Given these injury concerns, claiming Diggs comes with inherent risks for Green Bay. However, the Packers, who are currently 9-6-1 and hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, recognized the potential value in adding Diggs to their secondary. Despite ranking seventh in the league in passing yards allowed per game (192.1 yards), the Packers’ defense has struggled to create turnovers, with just seven interceptions in the season.

The Packers’ Need for Depth in the Secondary

Green Bay’s secondary has been dealt a tough hand with injuries, adding urgency to the Diggs acquisition. Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Kamal Hadden are both sidelined—Hobbs is unlikely to return due to a knee injury, and Hadden is out for the season with an ankle injury. To further bolster their depth, the Packers signed Jaylin Simpson and Shemar Bartholomew from their practice squad on Tuesday.

By claiming Diggs, the Packers have assumed responsibility for his Week 18 base salary of $472,000, plus a potential $58,823 active-game bonus if he plays against the Minnesota Vikings. It remains uncertain whether Diggs will see significant playing time in Week 18, as the Packers have already secured a playoff spot and may limit his snaps. However, his addition gives Green Bay an experienced cornerback who could be a valuable asset in the postseason, especially with the team’s need for playmaking ability in the secondary.

Looking Ahead: Diggs’ Impact and Playoff Push

With Diggs in the fold, the Packers now have a veteran cornerback who has proven capable of making game-changing plays in his career. If he can stay healthy, his presence could bolster a secondary that has struggled to generate turnovers this season. His familiarity with Parsons, his former Cowboys teammate, could also provide leadership and stability in the Packers’ defense as they gear up for the playoffs.

As the team prepares for its Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay will need to determine how best to integrate Diggs into their defense. With the Packers’ playoff spot secured, they may choose to ease Diggs into the rotation, giving him limited snaps while preserving his health for the postseason.

Conclusion: A Bold Move for the Packers’ Playoff Push

By claiming Trevon Diggs off waivers, the Packers have made a calculated decision to bolster their secondary for the playoff push. While there are risks involved, particularly given Diggs’ injury history, his proven ability to make plays on the ball and his experience in high-pressure situations could be invaluable for Green Bay as they prepare for their postseason run. With a healthy and motivated Diggs, the Packers’ defense could become a much more formidable unit when the stakes are highest.