After months of rumors claiming Stefon Diggs was not happy being on the Buffalo Bills roster, the organization shockingly shipped him off to the Houston Texans on Wednesday in a blockbuster trade a couple of weeks before the 2024 NFL Draft.
In just four seasons in Buffalo, Stefon Diggs has become one of the best receivers in franchise history. He is fourth all-time in receiving yards, touchdowns, and catches. However, he will not be adding to his impressive numbers with the organization after a bold move by the team this morning.
- Stefon Diggs contract: $27.854 million cap hit in 2024, $27.354 million cap hit in 2025, $28.446 million cap hit in 2026, $22.549 million cap hit in 2027
Related: 2024 NFL Mock Draft – Who could the Buffalo Bills take with their top pick?
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter was one of the first to report that the “Bills are finalizing a trade to send four-time Pro-Bowl WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans for draft-pick compensation.” Following the report, The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini revealed that Buffalo’s return for the star pass catcher will be a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since last year there have been rumblings about Diggs’ dissatisfaction with his situation in Buffalo and speculation they could trade him. However, they held on to him and he played a key role in them winning the AFC East again in 2024. However, they were eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs earlier this year and cast more doubt on his future in upstate New York.
Just a couple of weeks ago reports suggested the team would likely hold on to him for at least one more season, but obviously, things changed in that time. Now the Buffalo Bills are likely to use their top pick in April, 28th overall, to possibly find Stefon Diggs replacement for 2024 beyond. With that in mind, here are three players they could target in the NFL Draft.
Related: NFL Draft orders – Where do the Buffalo Bills pick in Round 1?
3 wide receivers Buffalo Bills could draft to replace Stefon Diggs
Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
While teammate Malik Nabers is getting a lot of attention, Brian Thomas Jr. is also a high-level talent who had a stellar year at LSU in 2024. He reeled in over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns this past season in a dynamic trio with Nabers and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. He has good size and speed and the 6-foot-4 star can be a deep threat in the Buffalo Bills offense.
Thomas Jr. could still be on the board when the team is on the clock at 28.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Transferring from Georgia to Texas was a great move for Adonai Mitchell as he posted double his previous career-best in catches and yards (845 yards) in 2023. While he didn’t surpass 1,000 yards receiving for the Longhorns offense, he has a lot of potential in his 6-foot-4 frame. His physical gifts could bring a go-to target for Josh Allen in the end zone (11 TDS in 2023) if his skills can be developed further.
He should definitely be available when it comes time for the Buffalo Bills to make their selection in Round 1.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs senior Ladd McConkey is another player from the program that did not put up sensational numbers but he is still one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft due to his football IQ and intangibles. While he is more likely to be a slot receiver at the next level, he could make a huge impact quickly on a team like Buffalo.
His athletic gifts don’t jump off the screen, however, his footwork and release are ready for the next level which gives him major advantages over most rookies entering the league.
