Two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs reveals the reasons behind his acrimonious departure from the Buffalo Bills, citing mental health issues and a perceived drop in performance.
In an exclusive interview with GQ Sports, star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has shed light on his tumultuous breakup with the Buffalo Bills, a divorce that sent shockwaves through the NFL last year. Diggs, who signed a lucrative contract extension with the Bills in 2022, had been a vital component of the team's success but appeared increasingly unhappy with his situation in Western New York.
Diggs admitted that his mental health took a significant toll during his final season with the Bills. "Last year, I was in the worst mental space I've been in since I've been in the league," he confided. "If I'm not in a good space, obviously that's not the best for me. So that's when things had to start shaking out."
From Bills to Backlash: Diggs Opens Up on Departure
Diggs' mental struggles manifested on the field, as his production dipped during the second half of the 2023 season. After recording at least 100 receiving yards in five of the first six games, he managed to surpass 80 yards only twice over the last 11 weeks.
Addressing his decline, Diggs emphasized that while he accepts responsibility, he believes there were other contributing factors. "You can blame me. I don't mind blaming me. I got big a-- shoulders," he said. "But pay attention, pay real close attention. Watch the game. Of course there's plenty of plays I want back. But there's a lot of plays that didn't go my way."
From Bills to Backlash: Diggs Opens Up on Departure
Diggs also pointed to the Bills' overall performance down the stretch as a factor in his departure. "The games looked a lot different," he observed. "I need a lot of things to go right to get the ball."
The Bills have since moved on from Diggs, signing veteran pass catchers Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. They also drafted former Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
From Bills to Backlash: Diggs Opens Up on Departure
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has joked about the team's current receiver room, saying, "We got a lot of flavors." It remains to be seen whether the Bills' revamped receiving corps can fill the void left by Diggs, one of the NFL's most dynamic playmakers.
Diggs' departure underscores the transformative power of a change of scenery. After signing a three-year, $40 million deal with the Houston Texans, he has expressed optimism about his future. "I'm in a much better place mentally," he said. "I'm excited about this new opportunity."
Diggs' departure from the Bills was a bitter end to a once-promising partnership. His story highlights the importance of mental health and the challenges that star players can face when their on-field performance suffers. As Diggs embarks on a new chapter in Houston, the NFL world will be watching closely to see if he can rediscover the magic that made him an All-Pro.
