Last week’s headline-grabbing NFL news saw Stefon Diggs making his way to the Houston Texans from the Buffalo Bills, a move that sparked widespread debate and analysis. The trade not only brought a new playmaker into the Texans’ fold but also raised eyebrows with the decision to adjust Diggs’ contract significantly. NFL broadcaster and former player Ross Tucker shared his candid thoughts on this development, providing food for thought for fans and analysts alike.
Stefon Diggs: The Controversial Trade Decision
The Texans’ decision to acquire Stefon Diggs was met with mixed feelings, particularly regarding the alterations to his contract. By opting to remove the final three years from his existing deal and setting him up with a one-year, $22 million contract for 2023, the Texans have placed a significant bet on Diggs’ immediate impact.
Tucker expressed his reservations on his podcast, highlighting the gamble involved in trading a second-round pick for just one year of Diggs’ services. “You can’t get a comp pick because you shorten the contract. And you give him a $3.5 million raise for that same one year that you didn’t even have to do,” Tucker elaborated, questioning the strategy behind making Diggs a more expensive short-term asset.
The High Stakes for Houston
The broader implications of the trade and contract adjustment are substantial. Tucker pointed out potential issues that could arise from the Texans’ heavy investment in Diggs for a single season, including internal dynamics with other players like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, who have also been key contributors to the Texans’ offense.
“What if Nico Collins is getting the ball a lot? What if they’re giving the ball to Tank Dell a lot? I feel like this could really go either way, with Stefon Diggs in Houston and a second round pick for one year. A little bit much,” Tucker mused, underscoring the risky nature of the Texans’ big swing.
Houston Texans’ Offensive Outlook Post-Diggs Addition
Despite the controversy surrounding the trade, the addition of Diggs to the Texans’ roster is undeniably exciting from a football perspective. The Texans, who made a dramatic turnaround last season from 3-13-1 to 10-7, have bolstered an already potent offense. With Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and now Stefon Diggs, quarterback C.J. Stroud has an enviable array of targets, promising a dynamic and high-scoring offense for the coming season. Diggs, a 1,000-yard receiver last year, adds a new dimension to an offense that already includes talents like Dalton Schultz at tight end.
On Stefon Diggs:
His 4-year stretch with the #Bills will go down as the best stretch for any WR in franchise history. He elevated his game in Buffalo and, in the process, made everyone around him better.
He was consistently elite, BUT…
He was rarely good enough when the… pic.twitter.com/L8DGpGXhDE
— Hänsel (@UberHansen) April 10, 2024
The Texans’ aggressive move for Diggs has certainly set the stage for an intriguing NFL season. While the trade has its critics, particularly regarding the financial and strategic aspects, the potential for on-field excellence is undeniable. As the Texans aim to build on last season’s success, all eyes will be on Diggs and his new team to see if this bold gamble pays off, both for the player and for a franchise looking to cement its place at the top of the AFC South.
