The Buffalo Bills could use another wide receiver, and Stefon Diggs appears to want out of Minnesota. Multiple reports indicate Diggs wants to be traded, and the Bills should be in the market for a player of Diggs’ caliber. Not only would Diggs provide an immediate upgrade to the depth chart, but he could also be the missing piece to retake the AFC East and establish Buffalo as a true Super Bowl contender.
Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills A Perfect Trade Destination
Stefon Diggs the Player
Diggs is one of the few wide receivers in the league capable of doing literally everything at a high level. While some fans might be taken aback by his (relatively) underwhelming volume stats, all the advanced numbers show that Diggs truly is among the best of the best.
In 2019, Diggs finished second in the league in yards per route run while averaging an absurd 17.9 yards per reception. This game-breaking ability speaks for itself and would be a welcome addition to a New England offense currently lacking explosive playmakers.
Stretching the field is obviously good, but Diggs is more than just a one-trick pony. According to Pro Football Focus, Diggs was the best receiver in contested catch situations from 2017 to 2018. Even when he’s not open, he’s probably going to catch anything thrown in his general direction. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s arguably the best route runner in the NFL. He has the skills to be the focal point of any offense and his volume stats would reflect that if he played in more of a pass-happy offense.
This isn’t the first time Diggs has publicly hinted at wanting a change of scenery, and there is a chance that Mike Zimmer actually pulls the trigger on a potential trade. According to Over the Cap, any team trading for Diggs would also receive a $5.5 million cap charge. This is essentially nothing for a player of his caliber, and the Bills owe it to themselves to see if the Vikings would trade Diggs for the 22nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Perfect Fit
Thanks to the pass-heavy nature of today’s NFL, it’s never been more important to surround a quarterback with difference-makers in the passing game. John Brown and Cole Beasley are solid role players, but neither possess superstar ceilings. If the Bills truly want to make the most of Josh Allen‘s rookie contract, then they should add someone capable of being a true difference-maker in the passing game.
Diggs has the chance to be that guy. At 26 years old, Stefon Diggs still has plenty left in his tank. The former fifth-round pick is signed through the 2023 season, which means he should have plenty of time to develop chemistry with Allen. Diggs and Brown would be one of the more explosive wide receiver duos in the league, and Beasley is still a solid slot receiver. This gives the Bills and Josh Allen a strong, reliable supporting cast moving forward.
Buffalo would have to part with at least their first-round pick in order to acquire Diggs. That may seem like a lot, considering the impressive amount of draft-eligible talent at the wide receiver position. However, getting a player like Diggs still makes this trade well worth it. The NFL Draft is a crapshoot, and even the safest prospects can bust. Additionally, even if the Bills hit on their first-round pick, that player probably won’t provide the same value as Diggs, especially right out of the gate. With Tom Brady possibly leaving New England, the Bills finally have a chance to take the AFC East and become legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
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