It could be a while before we see Trevon Diggs on the practice field after he was placed on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp. That was the expectation, but it wasn't Diggs return timeline that was a focal point during the Dallas Cowboys' annual pre-camp press conference.
Jerry Jones was asked multiple times about enforcing the $500,000 de-escalator in Trevon Diggs' contract since Diggs opted to rehab his surgically-repaired knee away from the team this offseason. Jones pushed the "leadership" button multiple times and cited Diggs' contract.
"We expect a player that's paid like Trevon to be here all the time. We expect him to be leading. That's not new. You've got to have some leadership about you," Jones said, via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones calls out CB Trevon Diggs yet again
Technically speaking, Jones didn't do anything wrong. He had the right to fine Diggs if he didn't participate in 84.375 percent of the offseason program. However, Jones had the freedom to not activate the de-escalator. He and the front office clearly want more from the two-time Pro Bowler.
This marks the second time this offseason that Jones has aired Diggs out to the media. Immediately following the NFL Draft, Jones strongly implied that Diggs' second knee injury was connected to him not "working as hard" during his recovery from ACL surgery.
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"We have a good idea," Jones said on April 26 about when Diggs could return. "He’s working hard. That’s very important because if he will be very good and diligent in his rehab process then he’ll get back quicker. And when he does get back, he’ll be sounder. If he has not worked as hard, he is more subject to injury. He’s learned that one time. I have a lot of hope that his actual rehab and experience from the time before is really helping him out. I think it is."
This is a very concerning theme, but what is most troubling is that Diggs is under contract. While injuries have a propensity to cause organizational unrest, it would be one thing if Jones was attempting to negotiate through the media to (try to) reduce Diggs' price.
If the Cowboys don't think Diggs rehabbed with the desired vigor the first time around, they have every right to air those grievances with the player. Additionally, they aren't wrong for expecting Diggs, whom they are paying $19.4 million per year, to take on a leadership role.
However, should those conversations have happened behind closed doors to avoid making it a national story? Probably, but that is not how Jones goes about his business.
While Micah Parsons is the one without a contract, it seems that Diggs and the Cowboys have the most strained relationship of any player on the roster.