The NFL was caught off guard when the Buffalo Bills traded their star wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans. Diggs, who had been a key target for Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen over the last four seasons, will now continue his career in Houston, catching passes from the promising second-year quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
In return for Diggs, the Bills acquired draft picks, including a 2025 second-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings. They also sent a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to Houston as part of the deal.
The addition of Diggs is expected to significantly strengthen the Texans’ offense, joining forces with Nico Collins and Tank Dell as wide receivers, alongside Joe Mixon from the Bengals as running back and Dalton Schultz as tight end.
Meanwhile, the Bills have faced setbacks throughout the offseason, with Diggs being the latest departure, following other key players like Gabe Davis, Jordan Pryor, and Leonard Floyd, leaving fans in Buffalo with uncertainties about the team’s roster.
The trade involving Diggs has broader implications, especially for Cincinnati Bengals fans, as it could influence the market value of their wide receiver, Tee Higgins. Higgins had expressed interest in being traded at the start of free agency, but the Bengals have been reluctant to let go of the star player.
Comparing the careers of Diggs and Higgins, Diggs boasts more accolades as a four-time Pro Bowler and a leader in receptions and receiving yards in 2020. However, Diggs is older and has more wear-and-tear on his body. Additionally, Diggs had more opportunities as a primary receiver, while Higgins played second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase.
Considering the trade for Diggs, the Bengals may seek similar compensation for Higgins, if not more, likely aiming for at least a second-round pick. While a first-round pick might be unlikely, multiple early-round picks could be appealing to the Bengals.
Although the Bengals have publicly expressed their desire to retain Higgins, the value received by the Bills for Diggs could prompt a reconsideration of their stance.
