Stefon Diggs Is Holding Out in Buffalo

Stefon Diggs
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

After being selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Stefon Diggs quickly emerged as one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL. During five seasons with the Vikings, Diggs caught 365 passes for 4623 yards and 30 TDs and never dipped below 700 yards in a season.

The wide receiver was also a key part of three separate playoff runs for the Vikings, including being the man to catch the “Minneapolis Miracle” TD pass from Case Keenum in the Divisional round against the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 season.

Because of his quick ascent, the Vikings gave Diggs a new contract extension that kicked in during 2019 and was to last through the 2023 season. The five-year contract paid out $72 million, including just over $40 million in guaranteed money. At the time, this contract contained the eighth-highest guaranteed amount among wide receivers.

Questions Answered: Richard Sherman
Sep 9, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) and San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

However, just one year into this new deal, Diggs requested a trade during the spring of 2020, asking to leave the Vikings. Minnesota granted the wish, trading him to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a first-round pick that became Justin Jefferson, truly a win-win scenario for both sides.

Now, though, it appears that Diggs is unhappy again. Like Minnesota, Buffalo’s mandatory minicamp is taking place this week, but according to reports from Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the wide receiver is nowhere to be found. Bills head coach Sean McDermott is also reportedly “very concerned” about the situation.

Since acquiring Diggs, the Bills have not missed the playoffs, winning the AFC East in three consecutive seasons while seeing Josh Allen emerge into an MVP-type quarterback. Diggs has recorded more than 1200 yards in each of his first three years in Buffalo, including a league-leading 127 receptions and 1535 yards in 2020.

Jan 23, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrates with running back Devin Singletary (26) after scoring at two point conversion against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in an AFC Divisional playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

As a result, the Bills gave Diggs another contract extension last offseason that is set to kick in during 2024. The contract lasts four years and will pay out $96 million with $70 million guaranteed.

Diggs is set to make $24.4 million this season, including a $22.745 million signing bonus from a March restructure. His total cash this year ranks third-most among receivers behind just Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill. The fact that Diggs is holding out likely has to do with the team rather than the compensation.

2022 Vikings Draft Class
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) straight arms Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) after making a catch during second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The problem with Diggs potentially requesting another trade, though, is the fact that Diggs carries a massive dead cap number of $45.4 million. This amount makes it incredibly difficult for Buffalo to move his contract.

Adam Schefter of ESPN also shared a quote from Diggs’ agent that suggests the wide receiver has been in Buffalo, took a physical, and will be there “for the entirety of the minicamp”. This only makes the situation further confusing considering McDermott’s expressed concern regarding the Pro Bowler.

In all, it’s unknown exactly what will happen with Diggs in the coming weeks and months, so perhaps things will work themselves out. However, the fact that McDermott gave such a direct answer makes it seem like this could turn into a rather serious situation.

The Vikings are all too familiar with such a scenario, but they managed to work out a deal that helped them land their newest franchise receiver. It remains to be seen if Buffalo can pull off similar wizardry if it comes down to it.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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