Earlier this week, the Houston Texans shook the NFL world when they acquired Stefon Diggs in a blockbuster trade with the Buffalo Bills.
But as it turns out, the 2020 All-Pro wide receiver’s time in H-Town might be one and done.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Houston has amended Diggs’ contract to wipe out its final three years, giving the 30-year-old the ability to become a free agent following the 2024 season. Additionally, the Texans moved the $3.5 million guaranteed to the Maryland product for the 2025 season and moved it up to the 2024 campaign, giving him $22.52 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season.
Per Schefter, the move is believed to be mutually beneficial for both sides.
“If Diggs plays the way he wants, and Houston hopes, he will hit the free-agent market next offseason with the ability to make it count,” Schefter wrote. “Houston now anticipates getting the best version of Stefon Diggs.”
Added incentive for Stefon Diggs: As part of the Buffalo-Houston trade, the Texans wiped out the final three years on Diggs’ contract, giving him the ability to become a free agent after this season, league sources tell ESPN. The Texans also took the $3.5 million guaranteed to… pic.twitter.com/3CdRZY0LhK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2024
Over the course of his four seasons in Buffalo, Diggs established himself as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, earning Pro Bowl selections in all four years. Last season, the 2022 second-team All-Pro selection tallied 107 receptions for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 regular-season games.
After being traded to Houston, Diggs is expected to pair with quarterback C.J. Stroud and fellow wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell to form one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL. And if all goes as planned, he should be in line for another payday in the offseason that follows.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.