Trevon Diggs has been a revelation at the cornerback position for the Dallas Cowboys these past 3 seasons. His consistent coverage and play making ability has been one of the biggest factors behind the Cowboys’ defensive resurgence as his league leading 17 interceptions in that time frame has shifted the outcome of numerous games. The issue however, is that Diggs has completely outperformed all expectations and in doing so has completely outperformed his rookie contract. As it stands Diggs is set to play on a one year deal that is worth only 4.8 million dollars. For comparison the Cowboys’ second boundary corner, Anthony Brown, played for 6.5 million dollars this previous season! In truth it would be a catastrophic mistake for Diggs to play on a one year deal with his resume’. Diggs was a first team all pro selection just last year and this year he made his second consecutive pro bowl selection, further solidifying himself as one the premier defensive backs in the league.
With a huge payday on the horizon it would be unreasonable to expect Diggs to risk what may be his only opportunity to be the highest paid defensive back in the league. Remember, Diggs has seen first hand what can happen to a player playing on a one year deal when his quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a gruesome broken leg while playing on a franchise tag. He also has witnessed the Cowboys’ publicly eviscerate their star players during contract talks, and it appears the time old tradition of turning the fan base against its’ stars is being imparted on Diggs, as Cowboys’ beat writer Nick Eatman has publicly targeted Diggs “dropped” interception as a turning point in the playoff lost. Former Dallas great Dez Bryant came to Diggs’ defense publicly as he himself was a target of one the Cowboys’ smear campaigns when his contract negotiations were underway.
In truth nearly every star player in Dallas has to hold out. Zeke and Zach Martin both had to force the front offices’ hand before being payed what they were worth. Diggs is one of the best corners in football and he deserves to be compensated as such. If it takes a hold out to get it so be it.