For Bills general manager Brandon Beane, the decision to trade star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Texans on Wednesday came down to “timing.”
“Over the last few days, the value and timing seemed to make sense for them and for us.” Bean said Wednesday, the Bills’ official website reported.
“And we worked on a contract and finally reached an agreement today.”
The Bills acquired a 2025 second-round pick from the Texans in exchange for Diggs. Diggs has two years left on a four-year, $96 million contract extension with Buffalo.
Even though the Bills are dropping one of their key offensive weapons, Beane, who has been the Bills’ GM since 2017, said the decision does not equate to the team surrendering for the 2024 season. Stated.
“Like I said, any time you make a move like this, it’s very difficult. You’re trying to win,” he said. “And sometimes people may not understand that. This is by no means the Bills giving up or trying to take a step back or anything like that. Everything we’re doing is about winning. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
The Beans cut safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White last month as part of salary cap losses and lost No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis to the Jaguars in free agency.
Beane was candid about the roster situation, adding that there is a lot of work to do before Week 1.
“So, did I get better today? Probably not. This is a work in progress and I’m going to continue to work on it. That I’m competitive to death and that I’m not going to give in. “I hope people know that,” he said.
The Bills finished the regular season with an 11-6 record and made it to the playoffs, but were again eliminated in the district round by the eventual champion Chiefs.
In the weeks after the game, Diggs (who arrived in Buffalo in 2020 after a trade with the Vikings, with whom his breakup was public) spoke to reporters in February about his future. He said he thinks about it “every day.”
“Obviously, there’s a lot of change going on, a lot of things going on. I can’t put the cart before the horse, you know what I’m saying? But there’s a great offshoot in front of me. I had a season so I was able to put in a lot of work and build around what I got and what I’m doing now,” the four-time Pro Bowler said. According to ESPN.
“I can’t say what the future holds, but I will continue to be myself.”
Speculation about a feud in Buffalo began to percolate in early 2023, when the Bills were eliminated from the postseason by the Bengals in the regional round.
At the time, Diggs was seen having a lively exchange with quarterback Josh Allen on the sideline. According to reports that have since circulated, He reportedly left the locker room immediately after the contest.
A few months later, Diggs missed the first day of the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. According to a report in the Boston Globe, Immediately after that, he became unhappy.
“It’s all water under the bridge,” Diggs said when the Bills entered training camp in July.
Diggs, who finished the 2023 season with 107 receptions, 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns, thanked Buffalo in an emotional message Wednesday night.
“Words cannot express how much love and respect I have for the city of Buffalo,” Diggs said on Instagram.
“The city welcomed me with open arms for the best four years of my life. I’m forever grateful to you and everyone. [Buffalo Bills] Organization! Together with some special people, something special was built over the years that will always remain in my heart.
“Bills Mafia, we’ve had so many great memories over the years. You made that game go crazy. Sadly, all good things must come to an end until we meet again.”
They will meet again as the Bills will visit the Texans during the 2024 season.
