Brandon Beane, the general manager of the Buffalo Bills, knew that the team would eventually have to make a tough decision regarding Stefon Diggs. Beane addressed the unexpected move to trade Diggs to the Houston Texans, citing salary cap considerations as the main factor behind the decision. He explained that despite considering various aspects of Diggs’ value to the team, ultimately, the team chose to prioritize managing the salary cap by making the trade sooner rather than later.
The Bills incurred a significant financial hit of $31 million in dead cap space when they traded Diggs, resulting in a loss of almost $4 million in cap space for 2023, according to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports. However, the team was able to free up around $19 million for 2025 by making this move and also brought in additional talent to help compensate for Diggs’ absence. General manager Beane explained that the decision was made to take the hit now rather than spreading it out over multiple years, as it would have been a constant burden on the team’s cap and finances.
With their first-round selection, the team selected wide receiver Keon Coleman. They also added veteran free agents Chase Claypool, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Curtis Samuel. Beane mentioned that the Bills will be able to spread out the targets more in the upcoming season as opposed to depending so much on Diggs.Right now, our receiving room resembles a Baskin-Robbins,” Beane remarked. “There are many flavours here.”
The Bills are optimistic about Coleman, who was the 33rd pick in the draft. Quarterback Josh Allen believes he brings a missing element to the team as a large and physical receiver capable of winning contested balls. Allen stated that Coleman’s style of play is a valuable addition to the team’s offense, being a big-bodied receiver unafraid of physicality and able to make difficult catches like back-shoulder fades. He also praised the team’s other receivers, including Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel, highlighting their work ethic and positive impact on the group. With the addition of Coleman to the mix, Allen foresees a strong and cohesive group of pass-catchers.
