Tag: Stefon Diggs Texans

Texans WR Stefon Diggs lands in ESPN’s top 50 NFL free agents for 2025 offseason

Stefon Diggs will have a market this offseason if he leaves the Houston Texans in free agency.

Stefon Diggs could be back in Houston for the 2025 season, but he’ll have interest in the open market from other contending rosters.

Multiple Texans players have voiced their opinions on a reunion with the four-time Pro Bowl receiver, including second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who said the duo’s chemistry was “just hitting” before Diggs suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8.

While Diggs could return to Houston for Round 2 and a chance to better his market in 2026, ESPN views him as one of the top free agents despite injury. In the latest from Jeremy Fowler, the two-time All-Pro appeared at No. 26 on the top 50 free agent list heading into the 2025 offseason.

“An ACL injury limited Diggs to eight games this season, which is why he’s lower on this list,” Fowler wrote. “His play speed is also starting to slip. However, Diggs is a quality route runner who, once healthy and cleared to play next season, can create separation and produce after the catch. Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards this season, and he has 70 touchdowns over his 10 years in the NFL.”

Even though he’s entering his 11th season, Diggs has remained a constant weapon in the slot. He was on pace to notch his fifth 100-catch season in Bobby Slowik’s offense and was expected to be near the 1,000 receiving-yard marker with Nico Collins sidelined.

Diggs’ recovery time could determine his market. Right now, he’s expected to miss all of the offseason workouts but could be limited in training camp. If out for the start of the regular season, it’s not expected to be for long.

Entering the offseason, Diggs is the fourth-ranked receiver option entering free agency, trailing Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins (No. 1), Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin (No. 5) and Buffalo’s Amari Cooper (No. 18). All three are expected to sign multi-year deal while Diggs could ink a one-year prove-it contract to cash one last time in 2026.

If the Texans were to miss out on Diggs, other options available include New York Giants’ Darius Slayton (No. 36), Chicago’s Keenan Allen (No. 49) and Kansas City’s Hollywood Brown.

Houston also has been linked to several receivers in the upcoming NFL draft, including Missouri’s Luther Burden III, Texas’ Matthew Golden and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka.

Texans WR Stefon Diggs could be top target for AFC contender

The Houston Texans could see Stefon Diggs stick around the AFC next season with a new team.

As the Houston Texans try to keep wide receiver Stefon Diggs around the program for another season, 31 other teams could try to pry him away.

Despite a strong first season working with C.J. Stroud, Diggs has a market. He’s a reliable No. 2 threat in the passing game and could provide upside for a young receiver room looking for a long-term top weapon.

Pro Football Focus recently listed the top potential destinations for some of the best receivers on the market. For Diggs, PFF has the four-time Pro Bowler leaving NRGB Stadium and heading north to the New England Patriots with first-year coach Mike Vrabel.

“New England announced Josh McDaniels will lead Mike Vrabel’s offense, returning to the team with which he authored one of the most productive offenses in the NFL,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote. “McDaniels’ system requires savvy and polished route runners who are comfortable in a variety of route concepts and alignments, something Diggs embodies.”

New England has several young options for former No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye entering 2025, but none have the experience Diggs provides. Before suffering a torn ACL in Week 8, the 31-year-old was well on his way to securing a seventh-straight 1,000-yard campaign while totaling over 100 catches.

The Patriots need a legitimate No. 1 threat to double this win total. Diggs would fit the bill on paper, but at this stage in his career, chasing a title seems more fitting than inking a long-term lucrative contract.

Houston, which is coming off an 11-8 finish with an AFC South division title, is closing to winning a Super Bowl than New England. Players inside the locker room also hope Diggs returns to the huddle next season to pick up where he left off.

“I hope that he’s back and my locker mate again,” Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon said. “When it comes down to it, I’m sure he’s gonna do what’s best for him and same with the team. But selfishly, I think that all of us are gonna welcome Stef back with open arms.”

In eight games, Diggs caught 47 passes for 496 yards and scored four total touchdowns.

NFL insider believes Texans could spark reunion with WR Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs might have options on the open market, but one NFL insider views Houston as his best location for the 2025 season.

With Tank Dell suffering a season-ending knee injury that will likely keep him out through most of the 2025 season, a reunion between Stefon Diggs and the Houston Texans isn’t off the table.

Houston, fresh off a divisional round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, needs a stable No. 2 weapon opposite Nico Collins. Diggs, who thrived in the Texans’ offense for eight games before suffering a torn ACL against the Indianapolis Colts, could earn more in 2026 with a breakout season in a system he’s comfortable with.

There’s optimism a deal could get done before the start of free agency since Diggs is allowed to re-sign before hitting the open market.

During a segment on Bleacher Report Live, NFL insider James Palmer mentioned that from the outside perspective, most teams believe the four-time Pro Bowler is “leaning” toward staying with the AFC South franchise.

“He was extremely happy there. He was an unselfish teammate. He enjoyed the wide receiver room he was in,” Palmer said Thursday. “They really, really loved having him around. At this point in his career, he’s just looking to win a championship.”

Palmer also mentioned that the Texans never saw a “diva” persona around Diggs as previously stated during his time in Buffalo. When asked to do things for the organization, there was no hesitation from the two-time All-Pro.

Diggs, who caught 47 passes for 496 yards and four total touchdowns last season, also understands his role in the system as the high-quality No. 2 target behind Collins. The fourth-year veteran signed a three-year, $75.2 million deal this offseason, is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since the arrival of C.J. Stroud.

“He knows Nico Collins is the No. 1. He has unfinished business with C.J. Stroud and company,” Palmer said. “Stroud and he really felt like they were building a big chemistry. Stroud has been very vocal about bringing Diggs back.”

With the injury occurring in October, Diggs could be limited for most of the offseason workouts. If rehabilitation continues to improve, the 31-year-old could be cleared for the end of training camp and the start of the regular season.

Even if he misses time early, Diggs would be back within the first month to help Houston clinch its third straight AFC South title.

Palmer believes that while Diggs will have a say in the decision, everything falls in the hands of general manager Nick Caserio.

“[Caserio] has built a really good roster in Houston. He’s done a great job assembling young talent and in drafting, but he might listen to his quarterback in terms of bringing back Stefon Diggs,” Palmer said. “I think that’s the most likely thing that ends up happening.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Diggs is projected to sign a one-year deal this offseason worth $12-16 million.

Texans players hope WR Stefon Diggs returns for 2025 season

C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and Joe Mixon all made it clear that they’d love for Stefon Diggs to be back in the huddle this season.

Joe Mixon said on Monday that he’d love to have Stefon Diggs as his locker mate in 2025 as the Houston Texans look to run it as AFC South champions.

He’s not the only member of the offense who would love to see the four-time Pro Bowl receiver back in the huddle.

“That’s my boy. I would love to have Stef back,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said on Monday. “He’s somebody that I would love to do this whole thing back with.”

Diggs, a two-time All-Pro receiver entering his 11th season, headlines the Texans’ free-agent class as their season comes to a close. After Houston traded a 2025 second-round pick to the Buffalo Bills to acquire Diggs, the franchise restructured his contract to a one-year deal.

Despite coming off a torn ACL, Diggs will have options. He posted four consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns as the No. 1 target for Josh Allen in Buffalo.

He was well on his way to the fifth 1K year before being sidelined for the remainder of the season in Week 8. Since then, Diggs has been training away from the facility, but he told NFL Network’s Good Morning Football in December that he’s “in a good spot” throughout his recovery.

Mixon, who inked a three-year extension after being traded from Cincinnati, said he believes Diggs is on the proper trajectory for a resurgent 2025 season.

“He’s definitely on track to becoming better and returning from his injury,” Mixon said. “I’m just excited that he’s back on his feet.”

Before the injury, Diggs had taken over as a leader in the locker room. He was well-liked by his teammates and offered advice to young players. He was even voted a team captain despite rumors of his attitude during his time in Buffalo.

Stroud said their connection was finally heating up before the ACL injury, mentioning how the duo was “starting to build a rapport.” In eight games, Diggs ranked seventh in receptions (47) and total 496 receiving yards for four total touchdowns.

“Dude is an All-Pro,” wide receiver Nico Collins said. “He’s a playmaker. Dude’s been making plays in this league for a while, and there’s no better person to get advice from.
Wishing him the best in recovery and I can’t wait to see him.”

Plans could change with Diggs’ future in Houston. Initially, it seemed as if the Texans were content with losing him this offseason, but with Tank Dell’s knee injury likely keeping him out for all of 2025, retaining the 31-year-old might be best for all parties.

Collins said that while his on-field presence was missed, it was his leadership in the locker room that was drastically noticed.

“That’s who Stef is, he’s a leader. Great, great leader in the receiver room. Great leader around the league,” Collins said. “Dude’s been around the league for years. He knows what it takes to win, and you want to have that leadership in the locker room. For him to go down, it hurt.”

Houston will target at least one playmaker this offseason. When asked if Diggs could be in line to return for Year 2, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans remained quiet on the reunion talks.

“I won’t get into specifics of each player, but me and [General Maanger] Nick [Caserio] will look at the roster and see where we can add guys to help our team win. Each player is different.”

The Texans will close out the 2024 season with an 11-8 record. They’ll select 25th in the upcoming NFL draft in April.

Joe Mixon hopes Texans bring back All-Pro WR for 2025 season

If Stefon Diggs wants to return to Houston, Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon will be the first to welcome him with open arms.

The Houston Texans have over two dozen free agents set to hit the market this offseason, but Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon hopes at least one is back in the huddle for the season-opener when the offense takes the field.

If two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs wants to return to NRG Stadium, Mixon said everyone would be elated.

“I hope that obviously he’s back and is my locker mate again,” Mixon said on Monday. “When it comes down to it, I’m sure he’s going do what’s best for him and same with the team. Selfishly, I think that all of us would welcome Stef back with open arms.”

After trading a 2025 second-round pick to the Buffalo Bills, Houston voided the final three years of Diggs’ current deal, making him a free agent following the 2024 season. After Nico Collins signed a three-year extension this offseason, it seemed like the four-time Pro Bowler would be a one-and-done in Houston.

Diggs’ market remains a mystery and the Texans enter the offseason. He was on pace for another 100-catch season as Houston’s No. 2 receiver before a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 sidelined him for the rest of the year.

At 31, Diggs could be looking for a short-term deal that offers him a chance to win a ring. That could be Houston, which returns multiple offensive roleplayers including Mixon, Collins, quarterback C.J. Stroud, tight end Dalton Schultz and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Mixon said he’s been recruiting Diggs since Day 1 in hopes of having him around to help the back-to-back AFC South champs get over the hump and into the Super Bowl conversation.

“We definitely were on the same page,” Mixon said. “Obviously my guy just got hurt. But it is a business, that’s the unfortunate part.”

Diggs, who finished with 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, could command a decent market on a one-year deal. Earlier this season, he mentioned that he’d be open to coming back to Houston as he continues to attack his recovery.

That’ll be up to GM Nick Caserio, who could look to go younger and cheaper this offseason for a quality No. 2 threat. Plans could have changed after Tank Dell suffered a season-ending knee injury that likely will keep him out for most of the 2025 campaign due to recovery time.

Mixon believes Diggs is on track to becoming better entering 2025. Hopefully, that better ends in the end zone while wearing a Texans’ uniform.

“I’m excited that he’s back on his feet,” Mixon said. “I’m sure he’s probably going to want to come back here. He’s got unfinished business. Hopefully, he would take that into consideration.”

The Texans have roughly $10.6 million in cap space entering the offseason, though that number could fluctuate after roster cuts and contract reworks.

Could Stefon Diggs return to the Texans in 2024?

Four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs very well could head back to Houston for the 2025 season with the Texans.

Stefon Diggs might be out of sight, but the Houston Texans are on his mind following their 20-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

He also is thinking about a potential reunion in 2025.

Diggs, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, told NFL Network’s Good Morning Football Crew Tuesday that “everything is good” with his recovery. He’s expected to be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season after a few more months of rehabilitation.

“It’s been a long road,” Diggs said. “I just took it day by day. It was tough in the beginning definitely, not being mobile, not being able to move around. But the more I get my two feet back, I’m just super blessed. I’m in a good spot.”

Diggs also mentioned the idea of returning to Houston for a second season, stating that with the path the team is headed on, he’d be “excited” to return for another year after an abrupt end.

“I don’t know what the future holds but I definitely got a home in Houston, and I love those guys over there,” Diggs said. “They’re good people.”

After joining the Texans following four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Diggs was on pace for another promising season as C.J. Stroud’s top target. Before suffering the injury, he had 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in what could be his lone year with the Texans.

While signed to a long-term deal with the Bills, Houston restructured Diggs’ contract to a one-year deal after acquiring him for a 2025 second-round pick in April, allowing him to become a free agent after the regular season.

Before the injury, Diggs mentioned that Houston made him feel like there was something special in the works. The impact felt around the locker room helped him play better during his eight seasons.

“I knew them before like they were relatives of mine,” Diggs said. “Going into this season, it was just so much fun. I woke up every day with a smile.”

Since the injury, Diggs said he’s been away from the team but plans to be in the building for Houston’s Christmas Day game against the Baltimore Ravens.

“I’m extremely excited, and hopefully everything’s in a good spot,” Diggs said. “I can’t wait to see (my teammates), it’s been a while.”

The Texans (9-5) hit the road this weekend after clinching the AFC South to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadiunm. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Texans All-Pro WR predicted to leave Houston for NFC franchise

Stefon Diggs could be headed back to New York this offseason rather than sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.

Has Stefon Diggs played his last down as a member of the Houston Texans?

The two-time All-Pro receiver suffered a season-ending torn ACL on a non-contact play in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He was on pace for a career year in receptions and would have likely garnered significant interest on the free agent market.

Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in April in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs’ previous contract, thus making him a free agent in 2025. Houston could bring him back on a team-friendly two-year deal and let him rest building up to the 2025 campaign.

Other teams could be willing to pay more even with the injury playing a factor. Despite his injury, the 31-year-old remains a reliable weapon and consistent chain-mover as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 threat.

If Diggs were to test free agency, he’d had options. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report predicted one of those options to be Tampa Bay as the new No. 2 target for Baker Mayfield over Chris Godwin.

The other options? A return to the Empire State on a new deal with the New York Giants.

A short-term “prove-it” deal could make the Maryland product one of the best bargains of the offseason, though, as he had shown no signs of decline before the injury.

Diggs could be a sneaky target for the Buccaneers, should they lose Chris Godwin in free agency. They are projected to have $31.1 million in cap space, and Diggs might accept an incentive-laden contract that fits with their financial plan.

The New York Giants would also make a ton of sense for Diggs. New York may pivot to a new quarterback in 2025, and Diggs could serve as a high-end No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers—Darius Slayton is set to be a free agent.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll spent two seasons coaching Diggs as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator.

In eight games, Diggs caught a team-leading 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a wild card due to injury, but he’s also proven to be a high-upside target in the right offense, having been a year removed from a near 1,2000-yard campaign in Buffalo.

The Texans (6-4) take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) this Monday night on ESPN. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Report: Texans WR Stefon Diggs to undergo MRI on knee

Stefon Diggs will receive an MRI on his knee Monday to find out more about the severity of his injury.

The Houston Texans still don’t have a direct answer on Stefon Diggs‘ status for the remainder of the season entering Monday’s press conference.

They will have an answer before the team departs for New York to take on the Jets this Thursday.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, Diggs is expected to have an MRI done on the knee on Monday, which is expected to reveal the extent of the injury. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver left Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter after suffering a non-contact injury.

Diggs, who was traded this offseason to Houston by the Buffalo Bills, was trying to break past Colts defender Kenny Moore when he immediately grabbed his right knee. Trainers checked on him for several minutes before he stood up and headed straight for the locker room.

Before leaving the field, Diggs gave a thumbs up to the crowd, letting them know he was fine. The MRI should show if Diggs suffered a torn ACL or MCL or perhaps a simple strain.

“Unfortunate to see Stef go down there,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s still being evaluated for a knee. We’ll find out further information as the week goes on.”

Losing Diggs could be detrimental to the Texans’ already depleted receiver room. Nico Collins is already on the injured reserve and not expected back until at least Nov. 10.

Tank Dell, who caught a touchdown pass during the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 victory, hasn’t been able to duplicate his rookie success through eight games.

Diggs, who finished Sunday’s game with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards, has been the go-to weapon for C.J. Stroud over the past three games. He ranks fifth nationally in catches with 47 and is second among Texans’ players in receiving yards with 496.

“Prayers go out to Stef. God doesn’t make any mistakes. I hope he’s OK,” Stroud said. “I don’t know what’s going on yet. I’m praying and hoping he starts to feel better … Not easy seeing him go down.”

The Texans kick off against the Jets this Thursday Night on Amazon Prime at 7:15 p.m.

Texans WR Stefon Diggs shares awkward moment with Bills QB Josh Allen after win

Well, that was just awkward for everyone involved Sunday afternoon.

Well, that was awkward for everyone involved.

Following the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills, many began to wonder what would be the reaction to Josh Allen’s meeting with Stefon Diggs.

The meeting was brief. Very brief. In fact, in the days of the internet, perhaps it shouldn’t have happened at all.

Allen greeted Diggs with a quick, silent handshake and moved to the locker room. Diggs shook it and gave Allen two taps on his back.

Then they went their separate ways but not before the camera caught Diggs giving Allen one of the meanest side-eyes in recent memory.

It was a professional and unceremonious reunion, but the internet couldn’t stop talking about the awkward moment.

“I can’t say I didn’t think about this game when I got traded,” Diggs said. “I held it in all week energy-wise. I just try to keep it professional but obviously in the back of my mind it meant a lot to me. I wanted to do more showing than telling.”

Much like in real-life breakups, the departure of Diggs from Buffalo was heartbreaking for fans. Someone had come out looking like a winner while the other remained down in the dumps in the first face-off.

On Sunday, Diggs was the winner. He finished with six catches for 82 yards as Houston improved to 4-1. Meanwhile, Allen went 9 of 30 for 131 yards and a touchdown.

No Bills’ pass-catcher went for over 49 receiving yards, and it came with Keon Coleman’s score in the third quarter. Coleman, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Curtis Samuel totaled four combined catches on 18 targets for 76 yards, six fewer than Diggs overall.

“He’s on their team and is a great player and made some good plays tonight for them,” Allen said postgame. “He was on the winning team.”

When traded to Buffalo in 2020, Diggs became the backbone of the Bills’ offense and the top weapon in Allen’s growth. Over his four Pro Bowl seasons, the duo combined for 445 completed, 5,372 yards, and 37 touchdown catches.

Allen and the Bills might have lost the battle but still could win the war en route to securing their sixth consecutive division title. Diggs, however, could be looking forward to a postseason rematch as he becomes the security blanket for another young passer in C.J. Stroud.

The Texans travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots this Sunday at noon CT.