The Buffalo Bills reportedly traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2025 draft pick
The Buffalo Bills completed a trade on Wednesday, officially sending wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in exchange for valuable draft picks. As part of the deal, the Bills acquired a 2025 second-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings, a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 189 overall), and a 2025 fifth-round selection. It is worth noting that the Texans were able to obtain the aforementioned pick from the Vikings when they traded their 2024 first-round pick just a month ago.
The decision to trade Diggs arose following his response on social media to a comment questioning his significance to Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s success. Bills general manager Brandon Beane expressed his appreciation for Diggs’ contributions to the team, emphasizing that the trade was driven by the team’s unwavering commitment to achieving victory, rather than any indication of giving up hope. In response, Diggs took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Bills organization and fans, highlighting his enduring love and respect for Buffalo.
Meanwhile, the Texans have been actively working to strengthen their roster for immediate success during the current offseason. Their efforts have included the acquisition of notable players such as running back Joe Mixon and pass-rusher Danielle Hunter. Diggs, now 30 years old, will now join the ranks of the talented Texans offense, which comprises quarterback C.J. Stroud, receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, and tight end Dalton Schultz. Notably, Dell exhibited promising performance during the 2023 season, unfortunately ending prematurely due to an injury. The Texans have consistently pursued talented receivers, as indicated by their recent, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to acquire Keenan Allen.
On the other hand, the Bills have taken measures to create salary cap flexibility, releasing defensive players Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer, as well as center Mitch Morse. Additionally, they have lost receiver Gabriel Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars and outside linebacker Leonard Floyd to the San Francisco 49ers in the free agency period. It is worth noting that despite Diggs’ previous commitment to the Bills and a contract extension signed with Buffalo in 2022, he has been traded to the Texans.
According to the Roster Management System, the Bills will incur a substantial dead money charge of $31.096 million for the upcoming season as a result of trading Diggs. This figure represents the highest dead money charge ever recorded for a wide receiver in any single season, as evidenced by ESPN Stats & Information research.
General manager Beane of the Bills has openly discussed Diggs and his highly competitive nature. He stressed that such decisions are never taken lightly and that multiple factors are thoroughly considered, unless a player has engaged in illegal or egregious behavior.
Diggs himself made it clear during the season that he had never expressed any discontent or made negative statements about the Bills. He expressed his frustration over people drawing unfounded conclusions from statements he had never actually made, resulting in unnecessary chaos and turmoil.
Throughout this period, Diggs distanced himself from tweets authored by his brother, Trevon Diggs, who currently plays as a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys. Diggs conveyed his frustration with the surrounding chaos that stemmed from things he had never said, emphasizing his consistent dedication to the Bills franchise.Diggs’ production declined after the first six games of the 2023 season. He failed to achieve another 100-yard receiving game for the remainder of the season and only managed to catch three more touchdowns. Throughout the Bills’ final seven games of the previous season, including the playoffs, Diggs averaged 41.0 receiving yards and failed to score any touchdowns. This marks the only instance in Diggs’ career where he has gone seven consecutive games without a touchdown.
Notwithstanding this, Beane maintains that Diggs is still a No. 1 receiver.
Diggs has accomplished numerous team and league records during his tenure with the Bills, including being one of only four players in NFL history to maintain four consecutive seasons with 100-plus receptions.
His arrival in 2020 aligned with Allen’s improved performance. Allen’s second-best total QBR in the NFL, as well as his 137 passing touchdowns during that period, are second only to Patrick Mahomes.
Diggs has been selected to the Pro Bowl for the past four seasons, alongside Tyreek Hill. With Diggs’ departure, the Bills’ depth chart now includes Curtis Samuel (Washington Commanders), Mack Hollins (Atlanta Falcons), and Khalil Shakir. Shakir, who joined the team as a free agent in 2024, had 39 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns last season.
During a press conference, Beane acknowledged that the team’s roster is a work in progress and that they are continually striving to improve. He emphasized his competitive nature and unwavering determination, asserting that he will not back down.
Following the trade, ESPN BET adjusted the Texans’ odds, affording them a higher chance of winning the AFC South, the AFC, and the Super Bowl. The Bills also experienced some changes in their odds, with slightly lower chances of winning the AFC East, the AFC, and the Super Bowl.
Diggs will have an opportunity to face his former team next season when the Texans host the Bills at NRG Stadium. The specific date for the game will be disclosed upon the release of the 2024 schedule, likely in May.