Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Stefon Diggs is the subject of trade rumors. The former First-Team All-Pro was one of the best receivers in his day and helped turn Josh Allen into one of the best quarterbacks in the game. However, following a series of quick playoff exits, the wide receiver has publicly grown frustrated with the organization and has hinted at trade requests on multiple occasions.
Another cause of the frustration is his decreasing role in the offense. Stefon Diggs started the 2023 season as a focal point in the passing attack, but the trade target’s value diminished as the season progressed. Over the final eight games of the season, the four-time Pro Bowler hauled in just 37 receptions for 349 yards and one touchdown. Now that interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady has taken the full-time job, there is a chance Diggs will maintain his reduced role.
HERE. WE. GO. #Bills All-Pro WR Stefan Diggs seems to be saying GOODBYE to Buffalo and that he is being TRADED….
He changed his bio to a photo of him waving and said “READY FOR WHATEVER” pic.twitter.com/LOsLIOQAur
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 15, 2024
All of this led Bleacher Report‘s Gary Davenport to list Stefon Diggs at the top of his recent article. Headlining six players that Davenport believes should be traded, could Diggs finally be on his way out of town?
Stefon Diggs Identified As Potential Trade Target
It’s worth noting that Davenport’s article is about players who should be traded, but probably won’t be. As pointed out in the article, Stefon Diggs has performance and attitude concerns, but the Bills don’t seem inclined to trade him.
Stefon Diggs currently carries a $27.85 million cap hit, but the Bills could clear up $19 million cap space if they trade him after June 1st. Despite that temptation, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reports that the Bills are going to try and rework Diggs’ contract, rather than part ways.
Of course, for this to happen, Diggs would have to agree to a reworked deal. Seeing as he’s not exactly thrilled with his current team, the wide receiver could force his way out of town, and the Bills have plenty of financial reasons to grant his wish. While he is on the older side, the following teams should be willing to trade for Stefon Diggs if he becomes available.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Would the Los Angeles Chargers trade for Stefon Diggs after parting ways with high-priced veterans like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams? Depending on how the 2024 NFL Draft goes, they might not have a choice. Justin Herbert is a great young quarterback, but he’s only human. Nobody could lead a great offense while throwing to Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston, so if the Chargers can’t land a good receiver or two, then they might have no choice but to pursue Diggs.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are going to draft either Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison in the NFL Draft. When paired with young tight end Trey McBride, this offense should have the pieces to build a competent offense. However, with Marquise Brown in Kansas City, the Cardinals could use a veteran to help guide these youngsters.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are doing everything in their power to support their young quarterback. After a disastrous rookie season, the team acquired Diontae Johnson and reinforced the offensive line with two major signings. This is a good first step in the right direction, but they should consider a Stefon Diggs trade. With Diggs, Johnson, Adam Thielen, and a rookie wide receiver, Young should have all the tools he needs to prove what he can do in the NFL.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers made it to the NFC Divisional Round despite having one of the youngest rosters in the league. This team has the foundation to succeed, but now they need to add some proven veterans into the mix. Stefon Diggs might not have ever held the Lombardi, but the trade target is passionate about winning.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints never worry about the future when building their roster. Stefon Diggs is still a good player, and this team could use some more trade support for Derek Carr. The Saints offensive tackle situation is a mess, and they’ll need to do something to keep Carr upright in 2024. Rather than try to find two starting-caliber players, perhaps the answer involves getting players who can separate before the pass rush reaches the quarterback. Diggs excels at getting open quickly and should complement Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
