The trade involving Stefon Diggs resulted in the Buffalo Bills being perceived as the disadvantaged party.
The 30-year-old wide receiver, after four years with the Bills, was traded to the Houston Texans, along with a sixth-round draft pick in April and a fifth-rounder in 2025, in exchange for the Texans’ second-round pick in ‘25.
Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott were not forthcoming about Diggs’ future with the team during the offseason, repeatedly stating that he was their primary wide receiver.
The trade was heavily criticized as the Bills appeared to have been on the losing end of the deal. While exchanging Diggs for a second-round pick seemed fair, the inclusion of two additional draft picks, coupled with the significant dead salary cap money of $31 million for this season, made it a costly move for Buffalo.
Beane orchestrated the trade, but it’s likely that McDermott played a significant role in the decision-making process.
Diggs’ actions raised concerns about his behavior within the team. He exhibited behavior unbecoming of a team captain by walking out of the locker room after a playoff loss and skipping mandatory workouts.
His on-field performance also deteriorated in the latter part of his tenure with the Bills, which made his diva-like behavior less tolerable. Despite his previous success, teams were aware that Buffalo was looking to move Diggs, which influenced the favorable deal the Texans received.
With Diggs gone, the Bills are left with limited options at wide receiver on their current roster, banking on the upcoming draft, which boasts quality receivers. However, Beane’s past draft history suggests he may not prioritize selecting a receiver early.
Following the trade, Beane acknowledged that the team may not be better off immediately but expressed confidence in their ability to address the situation and prepare for the upcoming season.
