In the wake of the surprising trade that sent star wide receiver Stefon Diggs packing to the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane sought to reassure fans that the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season remain undeterred.
“Any time you make a move like this…you’re doing it because you’re trying to win,” Beane emphasized.
For some Bills fans, that statement left them scratching their heads in frustration.
Josh Allen walking into the Bills facility today looking for his WR’s pic.twitter.com/GhDrrsGhMI
— Depressed Buffalo Sports Fan (@Tommy_Dangles72) April 4, 2024
However, a large portion of Buffalo’s fan base understood that Diggs had in many ways worn out his welcome with the organization.
Not only had his production dipped on the field, but he started to ramp up his complaining off of it.
stefon diggs: “you sure?”
brandon beane the next morning: pic.twitter.com/6qfhFaZDrI
— Ryan Mura (@RyanMura) April 3, 2024
https://twitter.com/AEM366/status/1775580900731851227
It would be foolish to think that quarterback Josh Allen wasn’t at least aware of the possibility that Diggs might be traded.
Sure enough, Beane found a hungry fish with the Texans who gladly took the Diggs bait.
It had already been an offseason filled with change for the Bills who were forced to say goodbye to several popular players.
Despite the departures, Beane made it clear that the organization is more driven than ever to win a Super Bowl.
Brandon Beane's message to #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/nJuYc3C6hC
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 3, 2024
“This is by no means the Bills giving up or trying to take a step back or anything like that. Everything we do, we’re trying to win. We’re going to continue to do that.”
While he acknowledged the significance of the departure of key players like Diggs, along with others including Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, and Mitch Morse, he remained steadfast in his confidence in the team’s ability to regroup and remain competitive.
“Was it easy? No,” Beane admitted, acknowledging the disappointment among fans. “But if you make the best decision for the Bills going forward, that’s all you can do, and trust that.”
“And so this organization and our fan base needs to trust that we’re going to trot out a damn good team come September. And that’s our plan, and that’s not changing.”
Brandon Beane chatted about making the decision to trade Stefon Diggs #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rDTjsxxF0K
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 4, 2024
The GM remained optimistic about the team’s offensive capabilities, highlighting the talents of Allen, newly acquired receiver Curtis Samuel, and other members of the offensive unit.
However, he acknowledged that finding a replacement for Diggs will be a process that unfolds over the coming months.
“I think we do have a lot of confidence in our offense,” he stated. “And listen, we don’t play games until September. I would hope you know by now that I’m going to turn over every stone – and our staff – to continue to look to add depth and competition to all those rooms, so that when it’s time to play, we have a team we’re proud of that’s going to give us a chance to win.”
A couple people have reminded me of the player Brandon Beane said he missed on most when we talked last week. The answer got more interesting. pic.twitter.com/X68LqcxLAh
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) April 4, 2024
Regarding the speculation over just how tied Allen’s success was to Diggs, Beane dismissed the notion, pointing out their mutual growth and success as a dynamic tandem.
“They’ve been a really good duo,” Beane said. “I don’t think Steph made an All-Pro before he got here, and made some Pro Bowls here, too. Josh ramped up as well, so I do think, when they were clicking, you could say they were probably up there with any quarterback-receiver [duo].”
It was time to move on from Diggs – they’ll survive if they can add a good wr in the draft. Their biggest problem is choking in the playoffs, which has become a Buffalo Bills tradition
— Let’s Talk Sports (@LTSports80) April 4, 2024
Looking ahead, Beane assured fans that the team is actively working towards filling the void left by Diggs’ departure and expressed his determination to continue improving the roster.
“I mean, are we better today? Probably not,” he admitted. “It’s a work in progress, and we’re going to continue to work on that. I just hope people know I’m competitive as hell, and I ain’t giving in.”
“We’re going to work through this and continue to look and I’m confident in guys on the roster, and confident in the staff we have upstairs that helps me, that we’ll continue to find pieces to add, and we’ll be ready to roll when it comes time in September.”
If you watched the last half of last season, it would be readily apparent to you why the Bills were looking to trade Diggs. He was a non-factor.
— Chaz Davenport (@Coucher73) April 4, 2024
What are your thoughts on the surprising trade?
Did Beane make a mistake shipping Diggs out of town? Or had the time come to move on from him?
What else do the Bills need to do this offseason?
When his career is over, how many Super Bowls (if any) will Allen have won???
Brandon Beane’s offseason moves so far pic.twitter.com/Nmn0FvZLtq
— Circling The Wagons Podcast (@CTWpod) April 3, 2024