Stefon Diggs’ exit from Buffalo was one of the most talked-about moves from last offseason.
A star receiver and longtime go-to target for quarterback Josh Allen, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans after his relationship with the Bills turned ugly.
It wasn’t the first time the controversial Diggs wore out his welcome on a Super Bowl contending team. His breakup with the Minnesota Vikings ended on similar terms.
Now Diggs is off to the New England Patriots, signing a three-year, $69 million deal that includes $26 million guaranteed.
Some Patriots fans are worried that Diggs’ attitude could end up hurting the growth and development of young quarterback Drake Maye.
However, there is hope that no-nonsense head coach Mike Vrabel will be able to keep Diggs on the right path. Also, Diggs will be getting an opportunity with the Patriots that he wouldn’t on most others teams – the chance (again) to be a star No. 1 receiver.
Although his time in Houston was very brief, Diggs was well liked on the Texans and most people on and around the team have said nothing but positive things.
“He fit in well. He was popular in the locker room. He was well-liked by the coaching staff,” Texans beat writer Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston recently explained.
“A lot of people said, ‘Well, he’s a diva’ and all that sort of stuff – it’s not really the way he was perceived in the locker room. He was perceived as a fun-loving personality and someone that definitely is an individual, but what he does helps the collective.
“Two things can be true: he can be a lot in terms of his personality, could be a little extra, but this isn’t the type of place where you have to tread lightly,” Wilson continued.
“This is a football team, and you can have a few personalities like Stefon Diggs, especially when they are as productive as Stefon was.”
The Texans’ faith in him was evident. The team allows players to vote on captains, and despite being a newcomer, Diggs earned that honor in his first year.
Among his fellow captains was star quarterback C.J. Stroud, who pushed back on the narrative surrounding Diggs.
“I think he got a bad rap just by the media and by people. But he’s been nothing but just amazing to this team and to his teammates. He’s helped me out a ton. Just being around him has been really awesome,” Stroud said.
Beyond his presence in the huddle, Diggs also embraced a mentorship role.
“He was generous with his time,” Stroud added. “He would stay after practice, working with the younger receivers. He mentored Tank Dell and John Metchie III, and Nico Collins and Xavier Hutchinson.”
And just like in Houston, Diggs will be expected to support a young quarterback in Maye, while also bringing leadership to a receiving corps that lacked direction last season.
Of course, the Patriots are banking on Diggs as a playmaker. But his experience and ability to guide younger players also factored into their investment.
While Diggs’ best days are most likely behind him, there’s little doubt that he can regain his Pro Bowl form if he’s able to stay healthy.
Having said that, there are some Pats fans who are worried that Diggs’ presence on the team will do more harm than good for Maye and his development.
What are your thoughts on the signing???
