This past offseason, the Bills made a huge roster move by trading their best wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Texans.
Diggs saw both highs and lows during his turbulent four seasons in Buffalo. After arriving, he immediately established himself as standout quarterback Josh Allen’s go-to target. In 2020, he led the NFL in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535) in his rookie campaign.
After that, he posted consecutive seasons with ten touchdown receptions and one thousand yards gained in each of his four years with the Bills.
But following a decline in 2023, which included a falling out with head coach Sean McDermott and Allen, Buffalo’s executive administration concluded it was time to cut ties with Diggs. This is how it all transpired.
**Details of the Stefon Diggs Trade**
The Texans acquired:
– WR Stefon Diggs
– 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 187, traded to Lions during draft)
– 2025 fifth-round pick
The Bills received:
– 2025 second-round pick
In the trade, the Bills sent Diggs, along with a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick, to the Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. The Texans then traded Buffalo’s 2024 sixth-round selection to the Lions, receiving a later sixth-round pick (No. 205) and a seventh-round pick (No. 249) in return. Using those picks, Houston selected Louisville RB Jawhar Jordan and Michigan OL LaDarius Henderson.
**Reasons Behind Diggs’ Trade from the Bills**
Diggs’ relationship with the Bills had started to decline leading into the 2023 season. He was excused from mandatory minicamp, with head coach Sean McDermott commenting on the need for a break. Toward the end of the 2023 season, Diggs’ performance significantly dipped, which contributed to his frustration with the offense and eventual exit from Buffalo.
During the first 12 games, he averaged 10 targets, 80.8 yards, and eight touchdowns. However, in the last five games, those numbers fell to 7.8 targets and 42.8 yards, without any touchdowns. In two playoff games, he had just 10 receptions for 73 yards and no touchdowns.
There were reports of tension between him and star quarterback Josh Allen during this challenging period, but both have since had positive interactions following the trade. Diggs remarked on his bond with Allen, expressing his affection and appreciation, while Allen reciprocated these feelings, affirming their close relationship.
Responding to inquiries about adjusting to life after Buffalo, Diggs stated, “I don’t talk badly about my old girlfriend to make my new girlfriend feel good. I’m just happy to be where I am.”
**Why the Texans Acquired Stefon Diggs**
The reasoning for Houston’s acquisition is clear. After years of future-focused development, the Texans emerged as a credible Super Bowl contender with quarterback C.J. Stroud at the helm. Stroud’s performance as the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year convinced the front office to be more aggressive in the offseason.
When Diggs became available, Houston acted quickly. The 31-year-old remains one of the league’s top wide receivers, providing Stroud with an additional offensive threat alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The Texans also strengthened their offense by signing Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.
Diggs had an immediate impact in his first game with Stroud, recording two touchdowns on six catches for 33 yards. After the trade, the Texans renegotiated Diggs’ contract, agreeing on a one-year deal with $22.52 million guaranteed, which allows both parties to evaluate and consider his future in Houston after the season.
