Stefon Diggs Released By Bills After Stunning Contract Dispute
Stefon Diggs Released By Bills After Stunning Contract Dispute...
In a shocking move, the Buffalo Bills released star wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Friday following a months-long contract dispute. The 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowler was abruptly cut despite having three years remaining on his $96 million extension signed in 2022.
The decision comes after Diggs skipped mandatory minicamp in June and reportedly demanded a reworked deal. Team sources told ESPN that negotiations broke down this week when the Bills refused to guarantee additional money. Buffalo will absorb $31.1 million in dead cap charges for 2026.
Diggs' release sends shockwaves through the NFL just two weeks before free agency begins. The veteran receiver led Buffalo in receiving yards (1,183) and touchdowns (8) last season. His departure leaves quarterback Josh Allen without his top target as the Bills attempt to rebound from their AFC Championship loss.
Fans flooded social media with reactions, many criticizing the Bills' front office. "This feels like Sammy Watkins all over again," tweeted longtime Buffalo radio host Howard Simon, referencing the team's 2017 trade of another star receiver. The Bills' odds to win the Super Bowl immediately dropped from 12-1 to 18-1 at DraftKings.
Several contending teams are expected to pursue Diggs, including the Chiefs, Jets, and Cowboys. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Ravens have already expressed "serious interest" in the Maryland native. Diggs can sign immediately as he clears waivers at 4 p.m. ET Friday.
The move marks the end of an era for Buffalo's high-powered offense. Diggs ranks second in franchise history for receiving yards (5,372) and touchdowns (37) since arriving via trade in 2020. His "Diggs Tower" touchdown celebration became a signature moment at Highmark Stadium.
Bills GM Brandon Beane acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in a brief statement: "These moves are never easy, especially with players who've meant so much to our organization." Head coach Sean McDermott must now rebuild his receiving corps around second-year pro Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Analysts question whether Buffalo can remain a Super Bowl contender without Diggs. The team holds the 28th pick in April's draft, making it unlikely they'll land an immediate replacement. Veteran free agents like Mike Evans or Tee Higgins could become targets if they hit the market.
Diggs' release continues a turbulent offseason for the AFC East. The Patriots traded Mac Jones, the Dolphins lost defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and the Jets face uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers' recovery. Buffalo now enters free agency with glaring questions at wide receiver and $42 million over the projected salary cap.
The transaction will become official when the new league year begins March 13. Diggs leaves Buffalo having never reached a Super Bowl despite four straight playoff appearances. His next destination could determine whether he finally captures the championship that eluded him with the Bills.
