The Houston Texans’ trade for star wide receiver Stefon Diggs earlier this week threw the NFL world for a loop. It was yet another big-time acquisition for the up-and-coming team after earning a surprise playoff appearance this past season.
Diggs, 30, was initially signed for the next four seasons. It seemed to be a clear indication that he had a long-term future as one of C.J. Stroud’s favorite targets in Houston.
That may no longer be the case.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Houston wiped out the final three years of Diggs’ contract. It enables him to become a free agent after next season. Remember, the Texans exhausted a 2025 second-round pick to acquire Diggs from the Buffalo Bills.
By making this move, Houston also guarantees $3.5 million more of Diggs’ contract. It gives him a cap hit of $22.5 million for the 2024 season.
Related: Astonishing update on Stefon Diggs trade to the Houston Texans
Reason behind Stefon Diggs’ contract restructure by the Houston Texans
It’s pretty much two-fold. This gives the four-time Pro Bowler more incentive to produce this coming season after some major drama to conclude his career in Western New York.
Secondly, Diggs gets $3.5 million more of guarantees for this coming season while being able to hit free agency next March. It will enable him to potentially test the open market while the star is still in his prime.
- Stefon Diggs stats (2023): 107 receptions, 1,183 yards, 8 TD
Diggs will now take over as Houston’s No. 1 receiver ahead of rising young stars Nico Collins and Tank Dell. This blockbuster comes after the Texans added Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the offseason. They certainly are going all in. Thursday’s news adds another layer to that.