Bills QB Josh Allen’s Heartfelt Text to Stefon Diggs After Surprise Trade
The Buffalo Bills made waves in the NFL by unexpectedly trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Despite taking a significant financial hit, with over $31 million in dead money and a $4 million cap hit, the Bills swiftly parted ways with their top wide receiver. As part of the deal, Buffalo also sent a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to Houston, receiving a 2025 second-rounder in return.
While Bills general manager Brandon Beane had informed quarterback Josh Allen about the trade beforehand, Allen publicly addressed the move for the first time on Thursday, April 18. “We’ve made a lot of changes this offseason, lost a lot of veteran leadership. Stef being one of them,” Allen told reporters. “I guess that’s the nature of the business. Going into Year 7 now, it is what it is. I don’t get paid to make changes on the team.”
Allen shared that he exchanged texts with Diggs, expressing his gratitude and well wishes. “Just thanking him for everything he did for me and always have a spot in my heart for him, always love that guy like a brother, I wish him nothing but the best… He meant a lot. You look at the statistics, numbers don’t lie.”
Reflecting on what he learned from Diggs, Allen highlighted his mentality and work ethic, which had a positive impact on the team, especially the younger players. “His mentality. The way he attacked every practice was infectious, especially to the younger guys.” As for his lasting memory of Diggs, Allen emphasized his influence on his own development as a quarterback. “The receiver that helped me become the quarterback that I am today.”
Bills QB Josh Allen Is ‘Excited’ Step Up as a Leader With Stefon Diggs & So Many Veterans Gone
Regarding the lingering question about Stefon Diggs’ happiness in Buffalo, Josh Allen expressed uncertainty, suggesting that Diggs himself might be the best person to answer that. However, Allen emphasized the opportunity for growth and the emergence of a new version of the Buffalo Bills in the wake of Diggs’ departure.
He highlighted the addition of players like Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins, as well as the presence of experienced teammates such as Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox, who understand the team’s dynamics. Allen stressed that within their offensive system, any player could be targeted at any time, and the current roster is eager for those opportunities, working diligently to seize them.
With Diggs no longer on the team, Allen sees it as a chance for him to step up as a leader. Despite acknowledging the challenge, he expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to grow in this role.
Before Diggs’ trade, the Bills made cap-saving moves by releasing six veterans from the team. Allen admitted that losing those experienced players would be tough, but he also sees it as an opportunity for him to contribute to the development of the younger players on the team.
Josh Allen Addressed How Much Pull He Has on Which Players The Bills Draft
Draft Day with @JoshAllenQB. 😁#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/sycL1oHQIm
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 18, 2024
Allen revealed to reporters that last year, he sent a succinct two-word text to Brandon Beane ahead of the NFL draft: “Dalton Kincaid,” the player whom the Bills traded up to acquire. While Allen has expressed his preferences for certain wide receivers this year, he clarified that the ultimate decision rests with Beane.
“I’d like to think I have some input in who we pick, but the reality is that I don’t,” Allen admitted.