When the Buffalo Bills traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans last week, the NFL community was taken aback.
Thus, the query is: Which Diggs will the Texans be receiving? The guy who, during his four seasons in Buffalo, topped the NFL in catches and opened 2023 with five or six games with 100 receiving yards? Or the one who, as the season went on, appeared to be a shell of the person he once was?
There are a few reasons why Diggs’ output dropped so precipitously: he could be nearing the end of his career; he turned 30 years old in November of last year, when star wide receivers typically see a decline in production; he could have been sidelined by an injury; he was listed as having a back problem in Week 10 prior to his numbers really plummeted; or his tense relationship with the Buffalo Bills could have played a role; however, the most likely explanation is that Joe Brady’s appointment as offensive coordinator following Ken Dorsey’s firing reduced Diggs’ output by half after Brady took over as the offensive coordinator in Week 11, which amounted to the final nine games of the regular season, including playoffs.
Nor was he the centre of attention for the offence as he had been in previous years. His snap rate fell from 87% to 77%, meaning he spent less time on the pitch. Diggs’ target share decreased from 31% to 27% as the Buffalo Bills passed less often (dropback rate reduced from 63% to 53%) and particularly in crucial circumstances where you would expect your best receiver to catch the ball.
No matter how Diggs performs in Houston, the Bills are now in dire need of a potent wide receiver. Now that Diggs and Gabe Davis are no longer around, Josh Allen’s success has been largely attributed to having a genuine No. 1 superstar who can dominate a game.
Buffalo Bills Sign Broncos Wide Receiver In a blockbuster trade proposal, Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton, Courtland Sutton Trade, Courtland Sutton, Buffalo Bills, Stefon Diggs, Stefon Diggs trade, WRs, and Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills
Dec. 24, 2023, Denver, Colorado, USA: During the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High, New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant (27) deflects a ball intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Isaiah J. Downing
Top wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was already dealt by the Broncos to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for fifth and sixth round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Broncos are obviously in full rebuild mode as they recently cut All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
GM George Paton ought to be eager to trade Sutton in order to obtain further draft money. And the 28-year-old’s perfect landing location just so happens to be with the Buffalo Bills.
Fans thought Courtland Sutton’s tenure with the Broncos was over after he posted an enigmatic statement on social media at the end of January.
Nation of Broncos I’m so appreciative that I was able to complete another season in Denver. Regretfully, we were unable to achieve our primary objective. I remain appreciative of all my teammates and support personnel who have accompanied me throughout the entire season. I trust that everything happens for a purpose and that God has a plan for everything, even what lies ahead for me. Please know that every time I stepped onto that pitch, I gave my everything for this squad and organisation! 14 All Love
At the moment, Buffalo’s top three wide receivers are 30-year-old Mack Hollins, free agent acquisition Curtis Samuel, and Khalil Shakir. With the No. 28 pick, the Buffalo Bills can get another weapon for Josh Allen, but acquiring Courtland Sutton for a fair price would set up this offence much more for success in the absence of Diggs.
Throughout his six seasons with Denver, Sutton has delivered as quarterback despite playing below average for the duration of that time.
2019 saw his finest statistical year to date with 72 receptions, 1,112 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, and an average of over 15 yards per catch.
Despite this, the versatile wide receiver has averaged at least 13 yards per grab over the past three seasons with at least 58 receptions. He finished with 772 yards and 10 touchdowns in the previous season.
What Courtland Sutton Could Potentially Get From The Buffalo Bills?
Courtland Sutton, Courtland Sutton Trade, Courtland Sutton, Buffalo Bills, Stefon Diggs, Stefon Diggs trade, WRs, and Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills
Dec. 3, 2023, Houston, Texas, USA: Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, 14, celebrates his score at NRG Stadium versus the Houston Texans. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Thomas Shea
Buffalo should be able to get Sutton for a great deal if they only received a second-round pick in exchange for Diggs.
Sutton should be acquired along with a sixth-round selection pick in exchange for a combination of mid-level draft picks, according to Total Pro Sports.
They think the Broncos should receive Sutton and a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 203 overall) in return for the Buffalo Bills offering their fourth (No. 133) and fifth (No. 163) overall.
Through this transaction, Allen gains access to a player who may be the team’s top wide receiver and who has over 700 receiving yards in each of his five healthy NFL seasons. Sutton is a No. 2 at best, and the top choice will either be Samuel or a youngster if Buffalo uses their first-round pick on a wide receiver.
