The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL, are consistently in the spotlight. With high expectations each season, the team’s ability to evolve and adapt is key to maintaining their championship pedigree. This offseason has seen multiple shifts, with one of the most intriguing additions to the roster being quarterback Joe Milton. As the Cowboys eye another Super Bowl run, there’s growing excitement around the possibilities he brings to the table.
Additionally, the Cowboys have some key decisions ahead regarding cornerback Trevon Diggs, who has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players. The future of Diggs is a topic of significant importance to the team’s defensive success and its overall aspirations. As both Milton and Diggs represent significant pieces to the team’s puzzle, understanding their roles and the team’s long-term plans is essential.
This article will delve into why Joe Milton is an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ roster and examine what the future holds for Trevon Diggs, exploring how his situation might impact the team’s direction in the coming years.
Joe Milton’s Arrival: A Perfect Fit for the Dallas Cowboys’ System
When the Dallas Cowboys signed Joe Milton, they added an intriguing quarterback prospect who possesses a unique blend of talent, size, and raw ability. While the Cowboys have Dak Prescott as their starter, bringing in a backup like Milton with tremendous upside was a calculated move by head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Jerry Jones.
Milton’s Physical Attributes and How They Translate to the Cowboys’ Offense
Joe Milton is a rare breed at quarterback. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at over 240 pounds, Milton’s size and physicality are unlike most of his peers. While height is often associated with a strong pocket presence, Milton’s stature allows him to see over the defensive line, a trait that many quarterbacks struggle with. But it’s not just his size that stands out—it’s his arm strength.
Milton has one of the most powerful arms in college football, and that was apparent during his time at the University of Tennessee. He can throw the ball 70 yards with ease and deliver deep passes with velocity. This type of arm strength is particularly important in the NFL, where the game is increasingly dependent on explosive plays and taking advantage of mismatches on the field. For the Cowboys, Milton’s arm gives them a backup quarterback who can stretch the field in a way that few others can, adding another dimension to their offensive scheme.
Moreover, Joe Milton is mobile, which is becoming an increasingly important trait for quarterbacks in today’s NFL. While not a scrambler in the mold of Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray, Milton is athletic enough to avoid pressure in the pocket and extend plays when necessary. This skill set will be important for the Cowboys as they look to balance traditional pocket passing with elements of improvisation and mobility.
The Fit Within the Cowboys’ Offensive Scheme
The Cowboys’ offense, led by offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, is designed to be balanced. With the continued development of Dak Prescott, the team’s offense is predicated on both the passing game and a strong running attack. Having a quarterback like Joe Milton in the fold is a strategic move to provide depth and flexibility.
Milton’s skill set fits well with the Cowboys’ emphasis on big plays and aggressive downfield passing. His ability to launch deep balls is particularly valuable in a system that often looks to stretch the defense and create mismatches. With the Cowboys’ wide receivers, such as CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandin Cooks, posing a significant threat in the vertical game, Milton could be a great complement in practice or as a potential starter in case of injury.
Additionally, Milton could contribute as a change-of-pace quarterback, offering a slightly different style than Dak Prescott. While Prescott is a talented passer, Milton brings an element of surprise with his cannon of an arm and ability to push the ball downfield with ease. This could help keep defenses off balance, particularly in situations where the Cowboys need to take advantage of an opponent’s weak secondary.
Overall, Milton’s skill set aligns with the Cowboys’ offense in multiple ways. His mobility, arm strength, and potential to make explosive plays on the ground and through the air make him an intriguing piece for the team’s future. He may be a backup now, but his presence could have a ripple effect on the development of the offense, potentially making him a significant asset in the years to come.
Trevon Diggs’ Future: Key to the Cowboys’ Defensive Identity
Trevon Diggs has become one of the cornerstones of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense since being drafted in 2020. His ability to make game-changing plays, particularly through interceptions, has helped solidify him as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. As the Cowboys continue their championship aspirations, the future of Diggs plays a vital role in shaping the team’s defensive identity moving forward.
Trevon Diggs’ Rise to Prominence
When Trevon Diggs entered the league, there was immediate excitement surrounding his potential. The son of former NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Trevon’s background suggested he could be an elite cornerback. His rookie season was solid, but it wasn’t until his second year that he truly burst onto the scene. In 2021, Diggs recorded 11 interceptions, leading the league and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl.
What makes Diggs so effective is his ability to make plays on the ball. His ball skills and instincts are off the charts, and he is known for taking risks that often pay off. While his penchant for going for interceptions can sometimes leave him vulnerable to big plays, his ability to change the course of a game with a timely pick or a forced fumble is invaluable.
This aggressive playmaking style fits perfectly into the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, which is based on creating turnovers and applying pressure to the quarterback. Under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys have leaned into their aggressive nature, and Diggs is the centerpiece of this philosophy. His ability to blanket top receivers, along with his nose for the ball, makes him one of the most dangerous cornerbacks in the league.
Contract and Future Plans for Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs is entering the final years of his rookie contract, and as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, it’s expected that the Cowboys will look to extend him before he hits free agency. However, securing a long-term deal with Diggs will require a significant investment. Given the NFL’s emphasis on elite cornerbacks, Diggs is in line for a sizable contract, possibly making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.
This decision will be complicated by the Cowboys’ salary cap situation, as they also have several other key players—such as quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb—on hefty contracts. The Cowboys will need to manage their cap space carefully to ensure they can retain Diggs without sacrificing the talent surrounding him. This may involve restructuring other contracts, freeing up cap space, or even making some tough decisions about which players to prioritize.
From a strategic standpoint, it makes sense for the Cowboys to extend Diggs as soon as possible. His skill set is integral to the team’s defensive success, and keeping him on the roster long-term would give the Cowboys a leader in the secondary for the next several years. With young stars like Micah Parsons already anchoring the pass rush and a solid group of defenders around him, Diggs represents the final piece of the puzzle to complete a dominant defense.
The Cowboys could also explore options for a potential franchise tag if an extension cannot be reached in time. This would buy the team more time to negotiate while keeping Diggs in Dallas for at least one more season. Regardless of the approach, it’s clear that the Cowboys’ defense revolves around Trevon Diggs, and they will do everything they can to keep him in the fold.
What Diggs’ Future Means for the Cowboys’ Defensive Strategy
Retaining Trevon Diggs isn’t just about keeping a star player; it’s also about maintaining the team’s defensive identity. Dan Quinn’s defense is built around applying pressure to quarterbacks and creating turnovers, and Diggs is the key to executing that strategy. His ability to take away the ball is unmatched, and he allows the defense to be more aggressive and creative with its playcalling.
With Diggs leading the secondary, the Cowboys can afford to take more risks with their pass rush and coverage schemes. They can afford to trust Diggs in one-on-one matchups with elite receivers, knowing that he has the skill set to shut them down or make a game-changing play. His presence also elevates the play of other members of the secondary, such as safeties Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker, who benefit from Diggs’ ability to disrupt the passing game.
As the Cowboys look to make a deep playoff run, Diggs will be a critical piece to their success. If the team can lock him up long-term, they can build a defense around him that can compete with the best offenses in the league.
The Future of the Cowboys Looks Bright
The Dallas Cowboys have an exciting future ahead, with Joe Milton’s potential providing intriguing possibilities for the offense and Trevon Diggs’ continued dominance key to the defense’s success. Both players represent integral pieces of the Cowboys’ plans moving forward, with Milton bringing youth and a dynamic skill set to the backup quarterback position, and Diggs being a foundational player in the secondary.
As the Cowboys continue to build toward a Super Bowl-caliber team, these two players will be at the heart of their aspirations. Whether it’s through big plays on offense or disruptive moments on defense, Milton and Diggs have the ability to help the Cowboys reach their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship.
With the right moves in the offseason, including securing Diggs’ future and continuing to develop players like Milton, the Cowboys are well-positioned to compete at the highest level for years to come. The future is undoubtedly bright in Dallas, and the Cowboys’ faithful can look forward to another exciting season of football.
