BREAKING: Bills HC Sean McDermott Gets Brutally Honest on Replacing Stefon Diggs
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott acknowledged the significant loss of Stefon Diggs as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Following Diggs’ unexpected trade to the Houston Texans, McDermott addressed reporters on April 18, expressing the challenge of replacing their top wide receiver and recognizing his pivotal role in the team’s success.
“Stef’s departure leaves a void that won’t easily be filled,” McDermott remarked. “He’s a tremendous player, and our time together yielded many victories. His contributions were instrumental in our success. We’ll feel his absence. It’s not possible to simply replace someone like Stef Diggs. We extend our best wishes to him and his family. Moving forward without a player of his caliber is tough, but we’re optimistic about the potential for other players to step up.”
McDermott emphasized the collective effort required from the team to compensate for Diggs’ absence and expressed anticipation about the opportunities for other players within the roster to rise to the occasion.
Bills Faced ‘Tough Decisions’
McDermott admitted that trading Diggs was a challenging reality for a team grappling with significant salary cap constraints. Approximately one month before dealing Diggs, the Bills made several other roster adjustments to free up cap space, including releasing veterans Mitch Morse and Jordan Poyer and restructuring Von Miller’s contract.
Josh Allen on Stefon Diggs and what his lasting memory will be #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/2HWeGqyOse
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 18, 2024
“Those decisions are never easy,” McDermott acknowledged. “You can’t simply replace individuals of that caliber. Every player is unique. However, it presents an opportunity for others to step into new roles.”
Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News highlighted that trading Diggs added $3.24 million to the salary cap immediately, with even more significant benefits anticipated for the following season.
“The most significant cap relief comes from Diggs not impacting the Bills’ 2025 cap at all,” Gaughan explained. “Had Diggs remained on the roster in 2025, he would have accounted for $27.3 million. Consequently, the Bills have significantly eased their cap situation for 2025.”
McDermott disclosed that internal discussions preceded the decision to trade Diggs. When queried about quarterback Josh Allen’s involvement in these deliberations, McDermott indicated there was collaboration but did not explicitly state Allen’s role.
“There were discussions, sometimes multiple, and ongoing communication and collaboration,” McDermott stated. “This was a significant decision, one we deliberated over carefully. Our aim was to make choices that benefit the team both in the short and long term.”
Bills Predicted to Add Receiver in NFL Draft
Many analysts speculate that the Buffalo Bills will address the void left by Diggs in the upcoming NFL Draft, with some even predicting a significant move up the draft board.
In a mock draft released on April 16, Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press suggested that the Bills could trade up to the No. 4 spot to secure Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., the top-rated receiver in the draft.
Maaddi noted that the Bills might be feeling pressure to find a replacement for Diggs and could opt to draft Harrison. “Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, showcased his skills as the top wide receiver on the field last season,” Maaddi explained. “While his stock may have dipped slightly due to skipping offseason workouts, his tape speaks for itself. With the Bills aiming for a Super Bowl victory and in need of a new No. 1 wideout following the trade of Stefon Diggs, selecting Harrison could address a crucial need.”
This move would not only signal the Bills’ commitment to filling the void left by Diggs but also underscore their determination to secure top talent in pursuit of a championship.