Texans WR’s strong message on Stefon Diggs, Bills is turning heads

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Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2023.

The Buffalo Bills surprised the NFL world by trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in April.

The Bills ate more than $31 million in dead money and took a $4 million cap hit to part with quarterback Josh Allen’s No. 1 wide receiver. Buffalo also sent Houston a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In return, the Bills received a 2025 second-round pick.

The Week 5 matchup on Sunday, October 5 will be the first time Diggs has faced his former team since the trade. During an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Texas wide receiver Nico Collins shared how the team is extra motivated to beat Buffalo.

“We know it’s a big game for Stef,” Collins said. “We know what we have to do, we have to go here and win for Stef. I am happy for my dog. I’m glad he’s part of the Texans, but know this game means a lot to him. I feel like it’s only right that we go out there, have fun and get this win for him.”

For Bills Mafia, the story that Buffalo wronged Diggs is a made-up drama.

Ryan Talbot of NYUpstate wrote, “Texans players playing this as a revenge game for Diggs is as weird as the Bengals getting upset about the Bills selling advance tickets in the playoffs. What exactly is Diggs getting revenge for? Want to become a household name in Buffalo? Do you get paid a lot of money through the bills?

One person replied, “It’s a Josh Allen revenge game. His star receiver forced his way out and publicly trashed him. Why is the story about Diggs getting ‘revenge?’

Bills QB Josh Allen and Texans WR Stefon Diggs shared their thoughts on being opponents in Week 5

GettyFormer Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs with quarterback Josh Allen at Soldier Field on August 26, 2023.

While we may never know what broke the final straw, there were years of tension between Diggs and the Bills. Despite the drama, Allen and Diggs keep their public comments on each other positive.

“I have a lot of love for him,” Allen told Diggs reporters on Oct. 2. “I still have that. The things he did for me in my career and the things he did in a Buffalo Bill uniform will not soon be forgotten, especially by me. That’s how I look at it…I’m just trying to focus on what’s going on in this building.”

Diggs told reporters he planned to “block out the noise” this week. “A lot of other people will feel away or have a lot to say about X,Y, Z, and I don’t mind that. I’m not mad about it,” the four-time Pro Bowler said. “I’m just trying to make it 1-0. It’s clear they’re a good team. They have a lot of guys who can fly around on defense. But it’s a very good team. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Bills QB Josh Allen is doing just fine without Stefon Diggs

After Diggs’ departure, Joe Brady’s offense implemented the “everybody eats” mentality. Instead of having one top receiver, Allen passes the ball successfully, save for last week’s 35-10 loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

Allen was named the AFC’s Player of the Month for September after throwing for 814 yards with 109 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns. While the Bills are dealing with numerous key injuries on both offense and defense heading into Week 5, Buffalo must find a way to bounce back from their devastating Week 4 loss.

As for Diggs, voted team captain in Houston, he’s doing just fine without Allen. The 30-year-old receiver recorded 25 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns in four games. The Texans and Bills are both 3-1 entering Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium.

Emily Bicks covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Bills, Seahawks and Chiefs. She has been a contributor to Heavy since 2019 and has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the sport, including Jerry Rice, Shaquille O’Neal and Stefon Diggs. More about Emily Bicks