With all the focus seemingly on next week's NFL Draft and the recent Deebo Samuel trade rumor, I wanted to shift gears and talk about Cleveland Brown's Cornerback Denzel Ward's contract extension, which made him the highest-paid corner in NFL history.
While you may question why am I writing about another team's player, you have to realize Ward's extension is huge because it not only resets the CB market but it also affects the amount of money that Cornerback Trevon Diggs will command in his next contract.
As we all know, since coming into the league Diggs has gone from a second-round NFL Draft pick quickly to among the crowd of elite corners in the league. And if you look at his contract, the Cowboys are lucky to have him for his current figure.
However, that luck may run out soon when he becomes eligible for a contract extension next offseason, and Diggs will likely seek top compensation for his stellar play. And, given the history of the front office working out long-term deals with their players, there may be a rift between the two parties.
Despite Diggs coming off a historic season of 11 interceptions, some analysts and fans have criticized him for his poor coverage skills. To make matters worse, some have gone as far as saying if Diggs weren't getting interceptions he would look like a practice squad player, or even give off “Morris Claiborne-vibes.”
AND…
45% of his receptions allowed go for 1st Downs or TDs
5th highest yards allowed per target
Tied for most 15+ yard receptions allowed
2nd most open targets allowed in Cover 1
Most yards allowed in Cover 1Not joking when I say the INTs hide one of the worst ever CB seasons https://t.co/v9Wpqx8CR3
— Diante Lee (@DianteLeeFB) January 2, 2022
While I'm not trying to stir the pot and label Diggs as a fraud, I believe because of that criticism the front office may question whether Diggs is worth getting paid Top-DB money. As it's unlikely that Diggs can replicate another season of 11 interceptions, I predict the franchise will still pay the man for his elite ball-hawking skills, and bank on him improving his coverage heading into his third year.
Whether you feel he's worth around the Denzel Ward range ($20.1 million APY) or not, you can't deny the importance Diggs has had for their defense, and if they let him walk they would have no proven corner on their team.
While I admit I can't tell the future like Raven from the Disney show “That's So Raven”, I predict Diggs will get a deal worth a little bit more than Ward per year, but he won't be the next cornerback to get paid huge.
Because of Ward's contract, expect Diggs to be the highest-paid Cowboy and before the crowd of fans get mad that the franchise is devoting huge money towards one player, just remember that this isn't Madden. They can't just sign everyone for super cheap, so just relax, and be happy that Diggs is getting his bag.
So what do you think Cowboy fans? Are you going to be fine with the front office paying out big dollars towards Diggs next offseason?
