Cowboys Weigh Major Defensive Shift as Diggs Trade Talk Heats Up
Trade speculation surrounding star cornerback Trevon Diggs and the Dallas Cowboys has reached a critical point, according to reports citing ESPN’s Todd Archer. The veteran Cowboys beat writer suggested that Diggs’ future in Dallas is genuinely “in real question” as the NFL trade deadline approaches in the 2025 season.
This rumor signals a potentially massive strategic shift for the Cowboys, who invested heavily in Diggs just prior to his season-ending ACL injury in 2023. The discussion centers on the complex interplay between Diggs’ lucrative contract, his recovery status, and the Cowboys’ persistent salary cap challenges.
The Dallas Dilemma: Contract, Injury, and Cap Space
The notion of trading a foundational defensive player like Diggs, especially one who led the league in interceptions in 2021, seems counterintuitive. However, the timing and financial structure of his deal make him a prime candidate for cap relief if the Cowboys are looking to make significant roster adjustments.
Financial Context of the Diggs Contract
In the summer of 2023, Diggs signed a five-year, $97 million extension, including $42.3 million guaranteed. While the Cowboys typically structure contracts to minimize immediate cap hits, moving a player with such a large commitment requires careful calculation regarding dead cap space.
If the Cowboys were to trade Diggs in 2025, they would still incur a substantial dead cap charge, but the move could free up significant future cap space starting in 2026, which may be the primary motivation for the organization.
- Risk Mitigation: Trading Diggs now could be seen as mitigating the risk associated with a high-priced cornerback returning from a major knee injury, especially if his performance trajectory is uncertain. The Cowboys may be looking to acquire draft capital while his value remains high, even post-injury.
- Draft Capital: Acquiring a first or high second-round pick would allow Dallas to reinvest in younger, cheaper talent, aligning with their long-term roster construction philosophy.
“Even if the Cowboys believe in Diggs’ long-term recovery, the immediate cap relief and the opportunity to acquire premium draft assets before the deadline might be too tempting to pass up given their tight financial situation,” noted Archer in his analysis.
Analyzing Potential Trade Partners: Lions and Steelers
The trade rumors specifically link the Cowboys to two prominent potential suitors: the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams have strong defensive fronts but often seek upgrades in their secondary to solidify their status as contenders in the competitive 2025 landscape.
Detroit Lions
The Lions, under General Manager Brad Holmes, have shown a willingness to make aggressive moves to bolster their defense. While they have invested in the cornerback position, acquiring a proven ball-hawk like Diggs could elevate their secondary to elite status, particularly in a division featuring high-powered passing attacks.
Why the Lions are a fit:
- Immediate Need for Elite Talent: Despite improvements, the Lions often lack a true shutdown corner who can generate turnovers at an elite rate.
- Aggressive Window: Detroit is firmly in its competitive window and may prioritize winning now over future cap flexibility, making Diggs’ contract manageable for their current structure.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers consistently prioritize defensive excellence. While their pass rush is often among the league’s best, their secondary depth and top-end talent have been inconsistent in recent years. Adding a player of Diggs’ caliber would immediately address a critical need for a team built around defense.
Why the Steelers are a fit:
- Defensive Philosophy: Diggs fits the mold of a high-ceiling, playmaking defender that the Steelers covet.
- Draft Strategy: Pittsburgh has historically been reluctant to spend massive free-agent money on secondary players but is often willing to trade draft capital for proven talent that fits their scheme.
The Trade Deadline Clock
For the Cowboys, the decision to move Diggs must be made before the upcoming trade deadline. A trade of this magnitude would require significant negotiation, particularly regarding the distribution of the guaranteed money and the draft compensation package.
If Dallas is truly questioning his future, the organization likely views this window as the optimal time to maximize return, capitalizing on his reputation before his post-injury performance is fully assessed on the field.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Core Rumor: ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that Trevon Diggs’ future with the Cowboys is “in real question” ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.
- Primary Motivation: The potential trade is driven by the Cowboys’ need for salary cap relief and the desire to acquire premium draft capital.
- Contract Complexity: Diggs is under a massive $97 million extension, making any trade complex due to significant dead cap implications for Dallas.
- Suitor Interest: The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers are named as logical trade partners due to their defensive needs and current competitive windows.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Cowboys’ Defense
The potential trade of Trevon Diggs represents more than just a roster move; it signals a fundamental re-evaluation of the Cowboys’ defensive spending and long-term strategy. While Diggs is a game-changing talent, the combination of his injury recovery and the constraints of his contract may force Dallas’s hand. For the Lions and Steelers, this presents a rare opportunity to acquire an elite, albeit expensive, playmaker capable of immediately transforming their secondary. All eyes will remain on Dallas as the trade deadline approaches, awaiting a decision that will define the team’s defensive outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond.
What’s Next
Expect intense internal discussions within the Cowboys organization over the next few weeks. The viability of a trade will hinge on whether a suitor is willing to absorb the remaining contract liability and offer the high-end draft compensation Dallas would demand—likely a first-round pick or a package including multiple high-value selections. If no suitable offer materializes, Diggs will remain a Cowboy, but the rumors highlight the precarious financial balancing act the team continues to perform.
Original author: Nate Bouda
Originally published: October 26, 2025
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