The Dallas Cowboys have released cornerback Trevon Diggs, their 2020 second-round pick, placing him on waivers Tuesday. Given his remaining salary, Diggs is unlikely to be claimed and is expected to reach free agency soon.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan identified five potential landing spots for Diggs, including the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers. Four of those teams—San Francisco included—are playoff-bound and could view Diggs as a late boost to their secondary.
However, health could be a concern. Diggs has played just eight games this season due to time spent on injured reserve with concussion symptoms, though he did start Dallas’ last two matchups. The cornerback also suffered a torn ACL in 2023 and hasn’t recaptured his previous form.
In 2023, Diggs posted career highs with an 80.7 defensive grade and 82.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Since returning, those numbers have dipped dramatically, topping out at 56.6 (defense in 2024) and 62.4 (coverage in 2025).
The 49ers enter Week 18 needing a win over the Seattle Seahawks to secure the NFC West title, the conference’s No. 1 seed, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. While San Francisco escaped with a win Sunday night, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams shredded the secondary for 330 passing yards and two touchdowns, a performance that highlighted some of the 49ers’ defensive vulnerabilities.
“The 49ers’ offense is Super Bowl-caliber, but the one thing that could hold the franchise back is the defense after it’s been demolished by injuries this season,” Sullivan wrote. “Coming into Week 18, the secondary is allowing opposing quarterbacks to produce a 100.6 passer rating against it, which ranks seventh-highest in the NFL.
“Adding a player like Diggs could be a savvy roll of the dice this late in the year to further help their chances of making a significant run.”
Starting cornerback Renardo Green has been dealing with a neck injury and has missed the last two games. Additionally, rookie cornerback Upton Stout is in the concussion protocol. With the postseason approaching, the question becomes: Is Trevon Diggs worth the gamble as the 49ers make a Super Bowl push?