It still might not be a slam dunk, things still have to play out on the field. But Bleacher Report named the Buffalo Bills’ decision to add marquee wide receiver Stefon Diggs as the team’s “smartest move” of the offseason.
While B/R admits the price was steep, the breakdown says it was worth it:
Adding Diggs was smart because it gives third-year quarterback Josh Allen something he’s been missing during his time as a pro—a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
The Bills could have targeted one of the many talented receiver prospects in this year’s draft, but Diggs is a proven commodity. His field-stretching ability should mesh well with Allen’s howitzer of an arm, and he’ll back off opposing defenses who may be eager to stack the box against the Bills rushing attack.
After reaching the playoffs in 2019, Buffalo is in win-now mode. This was an intelligent win-now move.
The cost? Notably a first-round pick, but also a fifth-round and sixth-round picks and a 2021 fourth-round pick—Buffalo got a 2020 seventh-rounder in return as well. But to B/R’s point, Diggs puts the Bills’ wide receiver room among the best in the NFL instantly. Even Pro Football Focus agrees, who recently ranked the Bills’ wideout unit as the fifth-best in the NFL.
Diggs alone should be a great addition considering his talent, but also factoring in will be the trickle-down effect. Last season John Brown had a 1,000-yard season with No. 1 receiver coverage on him. He’ll have an easier task in 2020, as will the likes of Cole Beasley and Dawson Knox.
Naturally, all of that will help Allen, too. Or should.
In terms of things to “watch out” for, here’s what B/R said about the rest of the AFC East and their top offseason moves:
Miami Dolphins: Drafting Tua Tagovailoa
New England Patriots: Signing Brian Hoyer
New York Jets: Drafting Denzel Mims
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