The New York Jets are no longer slated to face Stefon Diggs twice a year following the unexpected trade of the long-time Buffalo Bills wide receiver to the Houston Texans this week, a move that caught many in the league off guard.
In order to facilitate the trade, the Bills incurred the second-largest dead cap hit in NFL history, prompting speculation about the circumstances leading to Diggs’ departure. It appears that the Jets may have played a part in the situation.
Diggs’ relationship with the Bills had deteriorated irreparably, marked by disagreements with the coaching staff and verbal altercations with quarterback Josh Allen.
One such incident occurred after the Jets’ surprising Week 1 victory over the Bills last season. Following Buffalo’s overtime defeat to the Jets led by Zach Wilson, Allen reportedly had a heated exchange with Diggs in the locker room, according to The Athletic’s Tim Graham.
“I didn’t know what Stefon Diggs said to him, but Josh Allen snapped at him. He said, ‘It’s one f—ing game!’ and kind of motioned like I’m not talking to you here. And Diggs walked away and Josh sat there. In retrospect, keeping in mind this was Week 1 when for all we know everyone is hunky dory, but looking back on it I wish I would have included that in my story or made some sort of reference to it.”
Jets’ Surprising Role in Stefon Diggs’ Departure from the Buffalo Bills.
The exact catalyst for the verbal exchange between Allen and Diggs remains unclear, but it’s reasonable to assume that a victory for the Bills would have likely defused tensions. The outcome of that game could have had significant implications for Diggs’ future with the team.
Following Aaron Rodgers’ injury, tensions escalated after Allen threw three interceptions in the loss to a Jets team led by Zach Wilson at quarterback. The game was sealed by a walk-off punt return touchdown from rookie Xavier Gipson in overtime, further exacerbating frustrations for the Bills.
While Allen downplayed the defeat as “just one game,” Diggs appeared notably perturbed by losing to a Jets team helmed by Wilson. This loss seemingly intensified Diggs’ discontent, contributing to the strain on his relationship with the Bills.
As the season progressed, the rift between Diggs and the Bills only deepened, prompting reflection on the pivotal Week 1 encounter and its potential implications if Buffalo had emerged victorious.
Regrettably, speculation remains as to what might have unfolded differently had the Bills secured the win. However, the outcome stands: Diggs, along with Allen and the Bills, succumbed to Wilson, Gipson, and the Jets. Less than seven months later, Diggs found himself traded out of Buffalo in a move that stunned the NFL community.
With Stefon Diggs no longer part of the Buffalo Bills, it appears that the Jets played a significant role in precipitating his departure.
