From Ty Law to Aqib Talib to Darrelle Revis to Christian Gonzalez, the New England Patriots have always valued elite cornerback play — and they might have their eyes on the next one; Trevon Diggs.
Diggs, 27, was the Dallas Cowboys’ second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft and quickly became an All-Pro CB by Year 2. While no one doubts his raw talent, Diggs’ tendency to freelance and his recent injury issues have made him a divisive figure in Dallas, especially after reportedly suffering a concussion at home earlier this month. He was then sent home by team doctors — another sign of friction between player and organization.
Between his injuries and off-field friction with team staff, Diggs’ time in Dallas has been turbulent — but that’s exactly what makes him an intriguing buy-low candidate for the Patriots. Still, it might be in New England's best interest to wait and see what Diggs' situation looks like in the offseason rather than rushing a pre-trade deadline deal.
Patriots Should Consider a Trevon Diggs Trade (But Only in the Offseason)
Diggs represents a high-risk, high-reward move for the Patriots. Yes, there are question marks: the off-field drama, the massive contract that runs through 2028, and the uneven play since signing that deal. But when he’s right, Diggs has shown he can be one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
At 27 years old, Diggs is still in his athletic prime. A change of scenery and a stronger culture could help him rediscover the form that once made him an All-Pro.
After back-to-back four-win seasons, the Patriots focused on adding a new voice in the locker room and weapons for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. They did exactly that by hiring head coach Mike Vrabel and trading for Stefon Diggs — two tone-setting leaders.
Vrabel, a former 14-year NFL linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, has already won over the locker room and implemented a new culture in Foxborough. Last month, ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote that Vrabel has emphasized that everyone in the locker room gets to know each other, while prioritizing his four pillars: Effort and finish, Ball security and ball disruption, Details, technique, and fundamentals, and making great decisions.
Additionally, Stefon, Trevon's older brother, has been a major piece of that turnaround. He’s quickly become a security blanket for Maye and a leader for the young wide receiver room. It would also be an interesting opportunity for the Diggs brothers to finally share a locker room.
Joining Patriots Could Save Trevon Diggs' Career
That’s why the younger Diggs could be a perfect fit in Foxborough. He’s proven he can be a difference-maker on Sundays, but he needs structure — a coach who demands accountability and a locker room that buys in. Between playing for Vrabel and reuniting with his brother, New England might offer the ideal environment for him to reset his career.
Waiting until the offseason for a trade would also ensure that Diggs has a full spring/summer to familiarize himself with his teammates, coaches, and the front office. That wouldn't be possible in a deadline trade, as the veteran CB would be thrown into a strange setting without much knowledge of New England's playbook.
If the Patriots are serious about reloading instead of rebuilding, Diggs is the kind of long-term gamble worth considering. This isn’t about winning the trade deadline — it’s about winning the long game. If he finishes the season healthy and his off-field concerns dissipate, the Patriots' front office must give a call to Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones in the offseason.