If the Buffalo Bills were able to make a trade for Stefon Diggs, it would be a boost for this offense. However, based on what the Minnesota Vikings might want in return it feels like a long shot.
As rumors continue to swirl around Stefon Diggs possibly wanting out of Minnesota, due in part to his social media activity, it would make sense for the Buffalo Bills would be interested. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero detailed recently what it means both immediately and long term.
What exactly is going on with #Vikings WR Stefon Diggs? Short answer: nothing as of now. Long answer: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/mQggVc1GDg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 19, 2020
This past season it was clear that this offense needed that true number one wide receiver. The additions of John Brown and Cole Beasley were good moves but they likely are more complimentary pieces rather than that go to weapon.
A player like Stefon Diggs would fit that description though. While he may not be in that top group of wide receivers in the NFL, he is very close and in that next tier. He has been productive during his time with the Vikings and had over 1,000 receiving yards each of the past two seasons. More importantly he is still in the early part of his career at 26 years of age. He is also under contract for the next four seasons, which could be considered a positive even though there is substantial salary associated.
The concern for the Bills, and the one they would need to discuss internally, is that he brings a certain amount of baggage with some drama he had in Minnesota. This could certainly be attributed to what has transpired with the Vikings and the Bills could present a better environment that allows him to leave that with a trade. This wouldn’t be answered until he is apart of the Bills.
In addition, Diggs doesn’t give the Bills the size they are lacking at the position. He has a similar frame to Brown and Beasley, both of whom are under six feet, but he has been able to win with speed and route running.
Any trade scenario is going to come down to cost and what the Vikings want. If it costs the Bills a second or third round pick, it might be worth getting an established receiver rather than a unknown through the draft. This certainly comes at a higher cost and a bigger hit against the salary cap.
However, wide receivers are a position that has typically required players more time to make an impact. If the Bills believe their window is open to compete now, Diggs is the smarter move.