The New England Patriots are gearing up for their first playoff run since 2021, as they'll likely face the L.A. Chargers in the wildcard round in Foxborough.
At this point in the season, the Patriots have locked up the AFC East with a game to go, and while beating the Dolphins on Sunday is the priority, preparing for the playoffs is of utmost importance.
At this point, free agent signings aren't usually meaningful. Things changed on Tuesday morning, however, when two-time Pro Bowler and 2021 NFL interceptions leader Trevon Diggs was cut loose by the Cowboys.
The 28-year-old signed a five-year deal worth $97 million in 2023, but has played only 21 games since signing the contract. He tore his ACL in '23 and missed six games last season due to further issues in the same knee. He missed eight games this season with a knee injury and a concussion.
Issues stemming from Diggs' rehab were likely a major cause of his waiving from Dallas. The former Crimson Tide cornerback opted to rehab in Miami, away from the team, which seemingly ruffled some feathers in Jerry World.
After failing to participate in 84% of the team's voluntary offseason program earlier this year, his salary was docked $500,000. Add in that this is his worst career season, and the selection of Shavon Revel in the second round to pair with Daron Bland long term, the Cowboys were happy to end the contract early.
Claiming Trevon Diggs would be an incredible addition in New England
New England's top three cornerbacks have been one of the best trios in the NFL this season. Christian Gonzalez made his first Pro Bowl, and Carlton Davis has come on in a major way in the last third of the year, allowing just a 55% completion rate and no touchdowns since Week 12. Marcus Jones has starred as the slot cornerback, earning himself a three-year extension.
Depth, however, has been an issue in the Patriots' defensive backfield. Charles Woods has taken over the fourth position on the depth chart since Alex Austin was placed on IR, and the recently released Miles Battle was operating as the fifth cornerback. New England has just four cornerbacks on the active roster as they look to make a run in the playoffs.
Diggs would offer very high-quality depth in the defensive backfield. Given the new playbook and less aggressive scheme, he would need to be worked in slowly, but if claimed, he'd have the opportunity to acclimate to the defense against a Quinn Ewers-led Dolphins on Sunday.
Financially, claiming the ex-Cowboy would not be an issue. The team that claims him will be on the hook for up to $530,000 during Week 18, depending on roster bonuses. His contract runs through the 2028 season, but there are no guarantees after this season, meaning New England could cut him with no charge after their playoff journey is over.
Diggs has allowed 16 catches on 20 targets this season, an 80% rate. He's also without an interception, his marquee trait to this point in his career. Nonetheless, he could be worth a swing. The Patriots are 30th in the waiver claim order, meaning 29 teams will have the opportunity to absorb Diggs' contract ahead of them.
It seems unlikely they'll have the opportunity to do so, but uniting him with his brother, Stefon, would be an incredible story during the playoffs. They would be the first brother duo on the team since the McCourty twins in 2019, a year in which they won the Super Bowl.