Diggs seeks roster spot with Lions amid defensive turmoil

Trevon Diggs, the 27-year-old former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro cornerback, attended a tryout for the Detroit Lions on Sunday as he attempts to revive a career that has faced substantial turbulence. Diggs remains an unrestricted free agent as the NFL preseason begins, following a release by the Cowboys and a brief, limited stint with the Green Bay Packers.

The Lions are actively seeking defensive depth following the arrest of 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold. Arnold faces charges including kidnapping and armed robbery, creating an acute need for reliable cornerbacks in Detroit. This situation presents a potential, albeit uncertain, fit for Diggs, who is looking to secure a roster spot for the 2026 season.

Diggs’ career trajectory has shifted dramatically from his peak years. After leading the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021 and earning first-team All-Pro honours, he signed a five-year, $97 million contract extension with Dallas in 2023. However, subsequent injuries, including a torn ACL, and a decline in performance under different defensive schemes have complicated his standing in the league.

His 2025 season was particularly fraught with controversy. Diggs opted to train independently in Miami during voluntary organized team activities, leading to a $500,000 salary deduction by Cowboys management. He also engaged in a public dispute with then-defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus regarding coverage schemes, a conflict that persisted until Diggs was waived in Week 17.

Following his release, Diggs was claimed by the Green Bay Packers. He appeared in only one snap during their Wild Card playoff loss to the Chicago Bears, where he stumbled while attempting a tackle. Despite his current free agency status, Diggs’ career interceptions are tied with Lions safety Kerby Joseph for the third-most in the NFL this decade, suggesting his experience remains a factor for teams in need of defensive reinforcement.