Seahawks Host All-Pro CB Trevon Diggs for Workout
Seahawks Still Hunting for Cornerback Help After Arnold Deal Hits Snag
The Big Picture: Seattle’s Cornerback Search Continues
The Seattle Seahawks thought they found their guy. They agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Terrion Arnold. But there’s a catch — he hasn’t signed the contract yet, and the NFL is expected to place him on a special "time-out" list if he does. That means the Seahawks are back to square one, still looking for someone to lock down the cornerback position.
IMPORTANT POINT
The Commissioner’s Exempt List is like a "pause button" the NFL can press on a player. While on this list, the player cannot practice or play in games, but they still count against the team’s roster limit. It’s typically used when a player has legal issues or league discipline pending. If Arnold signs, he’ll likely sit on this list immediately — meaning he won’t help the Seahawks on the field anytime soon.
Enter Trevon Diggs: A Familiar Face Gets a Workout
With Arnold in limbo, the Seahawks brought in Trevon Diggs for a workout. This isn’t just any random player — Diggs has serious connections to Seattle’s coaching staff.
Why Diggs Makes Sense for Seattle
- Alabama Connection: Diggs played at the University of Alabama when Karl Scott (now Seahawks defensive backs coach) was on staff there
- Dallas Reunion: He played under Aden Durde (now Seahawks defensive coordinator) when both were with the Cowboys
- Recent Interest: The Detroit Lions also worked out Diggs recently, showing other teams see value in him
Trevon Diggs: The Resume (The Good, The Bad, & The Medical)
The Good: Peak Performance
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| Led NFL with 11 interceptions | 2021 |
| First-Team All-Pro | 2021 |
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2021, 2022 |
| Drafted 2nd Round by Dallas Cowboys | 2020 |
The Bad: Injury Nightmare
Diggs hasn’t been the same player since knee problems derailed his career in 2023.
The Injury Timeline (Simplified)
- September 2023 — Tore his ACL (the main stabilizing ligament in the knee)
- December 2024 — Needed a second surgery on the same knee
- January 2025 — Underwent chondral tissue and bone graft surgery
(Translation: Doctors took healthy cartilage and bone from one area to repair the damaged spot in his knee — a major procedure for persistent cartilage damage)
The Result: Barely on the Field
- Only 22 games played over the last 3 seasons
- 2024 season: Played just 2 games (34 snaps) for the Packers before being cut on January 20
- December 31, 2024: Packers had claimed him off waivers from the Cowboys
What Happens Next? (Step-by-Step)
- Seahawks evaluate Diggs’ workout — Medical checks, movement drills, interviews
- Medical team reviews his knee history — Those three surgeries are a major red flag
- Front office weighs risk vs. reward — All-Pro talent vs. availability concerns
- Decision time: Sign Diggs, keep looking, or pivot to another option
- Arnold situation resolves — Either he signs (and hits exempt list) or Seahawks move on completely
Summary: Where Things Stand
| Player | Status | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Terrion Arnold | Agreed to terms, not signed | Likely headed to Commissioner’s Exempt List = won’t play |
| Trevon Diggs | Worked out for Seattle | Major knee injury history (3 surgeries since 2023), but elite pedigree & coaching connections |
The Seahawks need cornerback help now. Diggs has the talent — when healthy, he’s one of the best ballhawks in football. But "when healthy" is a very big question mark. The coaching connections (Scott & Durde) give Seattle insider knowledge on his work ethic and character, which matters when gambling on a medical risk.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and why would Arnold go there?
Think of it as the NFL’s "indefinite suspension" without officially suspending the player. The league uses it when a player has off-field issues (legal trouble, investigations) that need resolving. While on the list, the player gets paid but cannot practice or play. The Seahawks would essentially burn a roster spot on a player who can’t help them on Sundays.
How good was Trevon Diggs at his peak?
Elite. In 2021, he caught 11 interceptions — the most in the entire NFL that season. Quarterbacks stopped throwing his way. He earned All-Pro honors (best at his position) and made the Pro Bowl two years straight. That version of Diggs is a game-changer.
What is a "chondral tissue and bone graft surgery"?
It’s a major knee reconstruction procedure. "Chondral" refers to cartilage. When cartilage wears away or gets damaged (common after ACL tears), the bone underneath gets exposed and hurts. Surgeons take a plug of healthy bone + cartilage from a non-weight-bearing part of the knee (or a donor) and transplant it into the damaged area. Recovery is long and uncertain for an NFL athlete.
Why would the Seahawks consider a player who’s played 22 games in 3 years?
Connections + Upside. Coaches Karl Scott and Aden Durde know Diggs personally — they’ve coached him, seen his work ethic, and know his character. If they vouch for him, it carries weight. Plus, if the knee holds up, you’re getting a former All-Pro for a bargain price. It’s a calculated gamble.
Could the Seahawks sign both players?
Technically yes — but Arnold would sit on the exempt list (not playing, but taking a roster spot), and Diggs would need to pass a physical. Most likely, Seattle picks one path: either wait on Arnold’s legal situation to clear, or bet on Diggs’ knee. Carrying two unavailable cornerbacks makes zero sense for a team trying to win now.