Locked On Cowboys: Cowboys Squad Show – Season Finale Preview & Trayvon Diggs Fallout

Episode Date: December 31, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Jeff (Host), Glenn 'Stretch' Smith
Context: After a tumultuous season, the Cowboys close out the year facing the New York Giants. The episode dives into the unexpected release of cornerback Trayvon Diggs, the search for a new defensive coordinator, roster needs for 2026, and a look ahead to the season finale.

Episode Overview

This episode serves as a capstone for the Cowboys' disappointing 2025 campaign. The hosts dissect the stunning release of Trayvon Diggs, debate what it means for team culture and finances, and preview the squad's regular-season finale against the Giants. With Dallas out of playoff contention, focus shifts to offseason priorities: defense, coaching changes, and evaluating young talent in a "meaningless" Week 18.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trayvon Diggs Released: The Story and Fallout

Timestamps: 04:06 – 20:35

• Surprise and Context:

  • Diggs (First-team All-Pro, 2021) was released after requesting to stay behind in Washington post-game—a violation of team rules.
  • "I'm not surprised because...we were shocked that he even was activated, that he was going to play the last couple games." (Marcus Mosher, 04:06)
  • Release seen less as a timing issue, more as an organizational decision to reinforce culture.

• Why Now?

  • Diggs asked after the game (not before) to stay in Washington; Schottenheimer (OC) said no; Diggs did not board the team plane.
  • "Once you start granting those requests, you’re going to get 15, 20 of them every single game. And it's just too much." (Mosher, 06:34)
  • Diggs’ refusal to comply was seen as a "business decision" to force a departure.

• Financial and Team Implications:

  • If designated as post-June 1 cut, cap savings could’ve been greater, but the team prioritized locker room integrity.
  • "There are multiple benefits from moving on from him post-June 1st... you can spread that thinner and make that look better." (Stretch Smith, 08:32)
  • "They just wanted to wash their hands and be done with it." (Mosher, 09:50)

• Trade Value and Future Prospects:

  • Diggs' performance and injury history tank his market value; estimate: a one-year, low-guarantee deal, maybe min salary if another team bites.
  • "I think he’s really torpedoed his value. Now, maybe he catches on to a team in the playoffs...I have my doubts." (Mosher, 12:08)
  • Debate whether playoff teams (Denver, Cleveland, Tampa, etc.) would pick him up despite suspect physical health and declining play.

• Cowboys’ Approach & PR:

  • Hosts praise Dallas for keeping details in-house and not publicly undermining Diggs, given how easily information leaks in today's NFL.
  • "To their credit, they kept that quiet and protected him...they kept that in-house." (Jeff, 19:39)

2. Cowboys Defense: Problems, Priorities & The DC Search

Timestamps: 23:40 – 35:58

• Jerry Jones Promises Defensive Improvement:

  • "We will get better on defense. I promise you that." - Jerry Jones, cited by Jeff (23:41)
  • Hosts see this as a given considering current struggles: “They’re one of the worst defenses in the league—all-time bad.” (Mosher, 24:20)

• Defensive Coordinator Candidates:

  • Is it better to stick to a similar system for continuity or hire the most creative available (e.g., Brian Flores)?
  • System fit vs. player strengths: Should scheme adapt to current roster or overhaul the roster for a new philosophy?
  • "I want a guy that comes in, evaluates what we have, and says okay..." (Smith, 27:42)
  • Mosher pushes for drafting players to fit a clear defensive identity rather than retrofitting the scheme every year.

• Front Office & Internal Promotions:

  • Unlikely the Cowboys promote from within ("No."—Smith, 34:12), but the DC search will be broader and may proceed quickly post-season ("Black Monday").

• Urgency and Evaluation:

  • With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in peak years, momentum for a quick defensive turnaround is crucial.

3. Offseason Wishlist: Defensive Upgrades and Max Crosby Rumors

Timestamps: 38:58 – 47:13

• Max Crosby Trade Scenario:

  • Speculation about whether the Cowboys could (or should) pursue a trade for Raiders DE Max Crosby.
  • Both hosts agree Crosby is an elite player but acquiring him would cost premium picks, which the Cowboys can’t afford given broader defensive needs.
  • "If you’re giving up a first round pick and a second as I’ve seen…that’s probably too much…they need five or six starters on defense." (Mosher, 41:52)
  • The coaching destination in Las Vegas could determine Crosby's fate.

• How Many Defensive Starters Needed?

  • For top-5 defense: “Six.” (Mosher, 46:27)
  • To win the division: “Three to four” (Smith, 46:30).
  • Key upgrades: linebacker, edge rusher, corner, and safety.

• Defensive Coordinator Impact:

  • Ideal candidate could be Jim Schwartz (if available), seen as someone who could make rapid improvements.
  • “If you bring in Jim Schwartz...that would be an easy transition.” (Mosher, 47:29)
  • Emphasis on not missing picks in the draft: "You cannot miss in the first three rounds...was Taco, Mozzie, Sam Williams—you cannot miss anymore." (Smith, 48:29)

4. Week 18 vs. Giants: What Matters (and What Doesn’t)

Timestamps: 51:38 – 61:49

• Game Planning & Playing Time:

  • Dak Prescott wants to play, but how long? If the O-line can't protect, expect “quick hook.” Likely see backup Joe Milton in action.
  • "I can’t see a scenario where they’re going to play Dak very much." (Smith, 53:18)

• Draft Implications:

  • "If the Cowboys lose, they could be drafting as high as 11. If they win, they're at 17 or 18." (Mosher, 54:17)
  • Hosts openly root for a “competitive loss” to improve draft positioning but want to see young players take steps.

• Young Player Evaluation:

  • Priority is evaluating guys like Brevin Span-Ford, Jaden Blue, Savon Revelle, etc.
  • “It's a chance to evaluate these guys. You should take every opportunity to be doing that.” (Smith, 61:05)

• Backup QB Situation:

  • Doubts about Joe Milton as a long-term backup; hosts advocate for spending a late-round pick on a new option for 2026.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Locker Room Culture:

  • “This is a business trip. You're expected to dress in a business mode. It's all about a business format.” (Smith, 05:56)
  • “If you want to build a culture, how can you not cut him and move on?” (Mosher, 07:06)

• On Defensive Identity:

  • “You have to be able to fit a player in a system that helps his skill set...That’s why they call you a coach.” (Smith, 30:46)
  • “The teams that are really good on defense, they draft certain types of players year in and year out that fit their scheme.” (Mosher, 28:31)

• On the Season Finale Strategy:

  • “Does 8-8-1 feel any better than 7-9-1? ...Who gives a whiskey crap? Just get the best draft pick.” (Smith, 55:47)
  • “Think of it as a preseason game...the outcome doesn’t matter. We just want to see different players in the game.” (Mosher, 57:15)

• On Urgency with Dak:

  • “...I have a sense of urgency...Dak’s not getting any younger...They need to win and get into the playoffs. That’s the goal.” (Jeff, 46:21)

Important Timestamps

• Trayvon Diggs Release Explained: 04:06 – 20:35
• Jerry’s 'We will get better' Comment & DC Future: 23:41 – 35:58
• Max Crosby Trade Rumors/Defensive Needs: 38:58 – 47:13
• Week 18 Strategy & Draft Implications: 51:38 – 57:25
• Backup QB & Jaden Blue Discussion: 57:34 – 62:41

Episode Takeaways

• Cowboys cut ties with Trayvon Diggs, signaling a renewed focus on culture and accountability despite financial tradeoffs.
• The defense is in need of both a fresh coordinator and at least 3–6 new starters; this will define the 2026 offseason.
• Do not expect all starters to play in Week 18—evaluation of youth and protecting assets for next year are priorities.
• Improving draft position is openly favored over a meaningless win to close the season.
• Quarterback backup and running back depth will also be offseason focal points.

Final Notes

The episode’s tone is blunt, realistic, and at times humorous, with a focus on candid evaluation and setting up for a critical offseason. The hosts combine cap insight with hard-nosed football culture, keeping things honest for the diehard Dallas audience.

For continuous Cowboys analysis, check out the daily Locked On Cowboys Podcast, especially as the staff breaks down draft preparation and DC hiring in the coming weeks.