Trevon Diggs fined $500K ahead of Cowboys camp, raising questions. Plus, Deuce Vaughn's future is in doubt as Jerry Jones works on rookie deals. (July 2025)
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the Dallas Cowboys inch closer to training camp, the offseason calm has been shattered by a significant financial penalty levied against a star player. Cornerback Trevon Diggs has been fined a staggering $500,000 for his decision to rehab his surgically repaired knee away from team facilities, a move that signals the first major drama of the 2025 season and raises questions that go beyond his recovery timeline.
Deuce Vaughn, once a promising story, is now on the hot seat with only 110 rushing yards on 40 attempts over 14 games in two seasons.
The decision by Trevon Diggs to continue his recovery from a 2024 season-ending knee injury at a private facility will cost him half a million dollars from his 2025 base salary. While the penalty is in line with NFL rules regarding off-site rehabilitation, it's a stark reminder of the business side of the sport. For a team desperate to have its top playmaker back and a secondary already riddled with injuries, the move adds a layer of tension as the team prepares to convene for camp.
While the Diggs situation simmers, the front office is focused on its incoming talent. The San Francisco 49ers' recent signing of rookie Alfred Collins has effectively set the market for second-round defensive ends, giving Jerry Jones and the Cowboys a clear benchmark for their own pick, Donovan Ezeiruaku. All eyes are now on the owner to get Ezeiruaku's deal finalized before players report. Optimism is high, but the price tag is now expected to be more lucrative than Dallas initially hoped.
The Cowboys completely overhauled their running back room this offseason, turning a weakness into what many consider the best group in the NFC East. But strength creates competition, and now there's a logjam. The biggest question mark surrounds Deuce Vaughn. The once-promising draft pick is firmly on the roster bubble heading into camp. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer prioritizing versatility, Vaughn's limited production over two seasons puts his future in Dallas in serious jeopardy.
The uncertainty around Diggs is compounded by a troubling injury report. Several key defensive starters remain questionable for the Week 1 showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. The list is extensive: CB Shavon Revel Jr. (knee), DB Josh Butler (ACL), DE Samuel Williams (ACL), DB Markquese Bell (shoulder), LB DeMarvion Overshown (ACL + MCL), and Diggs himself. This rash of injuries, particularly in the secondary, is why many analysts are urging the front office to trade for a veteran cornerback before the season begins.
With training camp just around the corner, the Cowboys are facing a storm of critical questions. From the health and financial standing of their star cornerback to the final composition of their running back room and the urgent need to get a key rookie signed, the pressure is mounting. The long list of injuries, particularly on defense, looms over everything. The next few weeks will be pivotal, as these storylines move from speculation to resolution, setting the stage for a make-or-break season.
