Packers Bolster Defense with Addition of Trevon Diggs
The playoff-bound Green Bay Packers have bolstered their secondary with the acquisition of cornerback Trevon Diggs, coming from the Dallas Cowboys, after being claimed off waivers on Wednesday. Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was released by the Cowboys a day earlier, due to various reasons, including not having flown with the team after the game against the Commanders. The need for this incorporation arose after the injuries suffered by the Packers in their Saturday defeat against the Baltimore Ravens. Nate Hobbs suffered a knee injury that could sideline him for the season, while Kamal Hadden suffered an ankle injury that will prevent him from playing for the rest of the year, having already been placed on the injured reserve list. Upon being claimed off waivers, Green Bay assumes the five-year, $97 million contract that Diggs signed in 2023. However, since the deal has no remaining guaranteed money, the Packers could release him without salary cap consequences after this season. The move will cost the Packers only one week’s salary, $472,000, plus an additional $58,823 if Diggs plays in the last regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings. Had he been released on waivers, Diggs would have been a free agent. Diggs has participated in only eight games this season, missing playing time due to a concussion and a right knee injury. He has not achieved any pass deflections or interceptions. His only tackle for a loss of yards was in the tie against the Packers in Week 4. The situation at the cornerback position has become critical for Green Bay since Jaire Alexander’s departure in the offseason. Hobbs, who signed a four-year, $48 million contract, was supposed to play a key role, but has been dealing with knee injuries since the preseason. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed Diggs’ departure on Wednesday, explaining that his refusal to fly with the team after the game against the Commanders “was one of many factors” in his release. Diggs, originally from Maryland, asked Schottenheimer in the locker room to stay in the area to be with his family, but permission was denied.Diggs’ season hadn’t been smooth, questioning defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme and wanting to play more man-to-man coverage. After suffering a concussion in a domestic accident, Diggs was placed on the injured reserve list due to problems with his right knee. It’s too early to know if Diggs will be able to play on Sunday against the Vikings. On Tuesday, the Packers elevated Shemar Bartholomew and Jaylin Simpson from the practice squad to the active roster to compensate for injuries at the position. In addition, they added Tyron Herring to their practice squad on Wednesday.“It wasn’t the only factor,” Schottenheimer said. “I’m not the Grinch who stole Christmas. I love Christmas. I love my family. But at the end of the day we have a protocol that we follow, and the process wasn’t followed.”
Brian Schottenheimer
