Trevon Diggs Trade: Lands with NFL Playoff Contender

trevon Diggs Lands with Green Bay Packers After Cowboys Waiver; Injury & Protocol issues Cited

A surprising turn of events has sent two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs to the Green Bay Packers via waivers, marking a significant shift for both the player and the teams involved. The Dallas Cowboys’ season is set to conclude on sunday, while the Packers prepare for an NFC playoff run as a wild-card qualifier.

The Packers secured Diggs with the 21st selection in the waiver order, indicating that at least 20 other NFL teams opted not to claim the talented, yet recently troubled, defensive back.

Did you know?– NFL teams claim players on waivers in reverse order of their regular season record. This means teams with the worst records get first priority. The Packers’ record allowed them to secure Diggs at #21.

Cowboys Cite multiple Factors in Diggs’ Departure

During a press conference on Wednesday,a team spokesperson addressed Diggs’ release,attributing it to “an accumulation of multiple factors – performance,other elements.” The spokesperson acknowledged that Diggs’ decision to depart from established team protocols contributed to the outcome. Specifically, Diggs chose to remain in the Washington D.C. area following the Cowboys’ 30-23 victory over the Washington Commanders on Thursday, despite being instructed to return with the team.

“It was one of many factors; it was not the only factor,” the spokesperson stated. “We have a protocol we go through, and the process was not followed.” The spokesperson clarified that Diggs approached him after the game to discuss the protocol, which mandates team travel, but ultimately chose to deviate from it. “that was not the only reason that this happened. This happened for multiple factors – performance and other elements over the course of time.”

Packers Assume Diggs’ Contract

By claiming Diggs off waivers, the Green Bay Packers inherit the remaining years of his five-year, $97 million contract extension. While all guaranteed money has already been paid, the Packers will be responsible for Diggs’ future salary, which includes $14.5 million in 2026, $19.5 million in 2027, and $20 million in 2028. The team will also owe Diggs $472,222 for Week 18 of the current season and an additional $58,823 if he is on the game-day roster for Sunday’s contest against the Minnesota Vikings.

Pro tip– Waiver claims are a low-risk, high-reward move for teams. The claiming team only assumes the remaining contract, and can release the player later if needed, without further financial penalty beyond the owed salary.

A History of Excellence Hampered by Injury

Drafted by Dallas in the second round in 2020, Diggs quickly established himself as a premier NFL cornerback. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021, leading the league with 11 interceptions, and received another Pro Bowl selection in 2022. Though, the past three seasons have been considerably impacted by injuries.

Diggs played in only two games in 2023 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Prior to that, he missed six games in the previous season due to a knee injury, requiring chondral bone graft surgery in January. Despite participating in 329 defensive snaps in the first six games of the 2025 season after being cleared from the physically-unable-to-perform list on August 24, Diggs subsequently missed eight games due to a concussion sustained in a home accident and lingering knee issues.

Reader question– Do you think the Packers are taking a calculated risk with Diggs, given his injury history, or do his potential upside outweigh the concerns? Share your thoughts!