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Jerry Jones might’ve angered one of his Dallas Cowboys superstars while speaking to media at training camp. He seemed to hint at some regret in extending Trevon Diggs’ contract.
Jones’s son, Stephen, quickly interjected in an attempt to avoid a negative headline. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done!
The Cowboys reported for fall camp on July 21st. Some were active. Others were not.
Diggs will start his fall session on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from a knee injury. His rehab has been a talking point over the last few months.
The cornerback was docked $500,000 after failing to participate in at least 84.375% of the offseason program. Dallas is choosing to enforce a de-escalator clause in his contract as a result.
Jerry Jones questions Trevon Diggs’ leadership.
Opening presser for the Cowboys in Oxnard
Jerry Jones asked about if Micah will participate and the status of his contract. Says it shows Micah’s character that he is here… and there is another player that was not here that will miss out on money because of it… (Diggs) pic.twitter.com/SKhed8QSGn
— Matt Roy (@MattRoy_TV) July 21, 2025
Jones was asked about negotiations surrounding Micah Parsons‘ pending contract extension. The linebacker is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Despite not having an extension in hand, he showed up for training camp. Jones applauded Parsons for doing so while suggesting it would have a positive impact on future negotiations.
The Dallas owner values leadership. He says Parsons has it. He could not say the same for Diggs.
“We expect a player that’s paid like Trevon to be here all the time… to be leading.”
Jones regrets extending Diggs.
He was asked about where things currently stand in the negotiation process with Parsons. He turned the attention to Trevon Diggs.
“Frankly, should we have waited [to extend] Diggs and [Terence] Steele?” he asked. It’s a legitimate debate but not one that will go over well with his defensive star.
#Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was asked why the team was proactive in extending Trevon Diggs and Terence Steele, but has taken its time with others — like CeeDee Lamb last year and Micah Parsons this year.
He responded: “Frankly, should we have waited on Diggs and Steele?” —… pic.twitter.com/WhH0Z5W8jh
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 21, 2025
The Cowboys signed Diggs to an extension in 2023 worth $97 million over five years. Since signing that deal, he’s missed 21 games.
The franchise worked quickly to make a deal with Diggs, which went against their outlook when negotiating with other key players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Parsons.
Given how things have played out, Jerry Jones has reason to be cautious. Still, the optics aren’t great.
Stephen Jones did his best to avoid a complete disaster by intervening.
“The other thing is the willingness,” he said after taking the floor from his father. “You have players who decide, ‘Hey, I’m willing to wait. I’m going to wait on bigger numbers.’ And you’ve got other players who want to be more conservative and say, ‘Hey, I’d like to have my money now.’ Every person’s different.”
Diggs has not publicly responded at this point. He won’t likely be a fan of the commentary.