DeMarcus Lawrence reacts to monster extension for Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence congratulated his teammate Trevon Diggs on Wednesday after the 24-year-old cornerback secured a five-year extension for $97 million.
Last offseason, it was Lawrence hoping to cash in on a payday. The Cowboys ended up working out a three-year deal for $40 million.
“That’s the type of dog he is,” Lawrence said. “Once you’re destined to get it, it shouldn’t phase you at all. He’s showing that type of character being out here today.”
In 2022, Diggs had a career-high 50 solo tackles and three interceptions. Last season, he took two of his 11 interceptions home for touchdowns. He’s led all NFL defenders with 17 interceptions over the last three seasons.
With incentives, Diggs has the opportunity to earn as much as $100 million over the course of his deal.
Asked whether he’s already at the top of his game, Diggs told reporters: “Hell no.”
“Hell no,” Diggs said, via Todd Archer. “I’m just starting. Literally… I want to be flawless all the way around. Have no flaws in my game, just try to be perfect, just put on display that I’m one of the best DBs in the NFL.”
Mike McCarthy: Diggs’ deal ‘good all the way around’
Asked about his young corner’s megadeal, head coach Mike McCarthy said he’s pleased that it benefits everyone.
“It’s good all the way around,” McCarthy said on Wednesday. “Personally, excited for him and his family… For us, the timing is great. Second contracts are such an important part of the draft-and-develop method.
“When you’re able to get your young guys done — it’s all in front of us. I was excited to see that happen.”
As Diggs has already developed into one of the top corners in the league, McCarthy believes his “next step” comes with finding ways to make an impact outside of the interception category.
“I think the big thing is, the next step is, when you lead the league in a category, particularly takeaways when you look at the history of this league and what that represents, he’s a big part of that,” McCarthy said. “To play with a high level of discipline and knowing his opportunities will probably be less, how can he impact the defense in other ways.”
Although Diggs is now one of the highest-paid players on the team, McCarthy isn’t expecting the former second-rounder to change who he is. A quieter leader than DeMarcus Lawrence or Micah Parsons, the cornerback shows his leadership in other ways.
“When you’re dealing in the personality realm, it’s important for everyone to clearly understand their role,” McCarthy said. “Ask people to start acting differently because of the size of their paycheck, I’m not for that, more responsibility but you don’t have to change your personality.
“His personality, I would not classify him as quiet, but my interactions are different than yours.”