Right after the Houston Texans received Stefon Diggs in April last year, C.J. Stroud touted his “Natural connection” with the All-Pro star. Diggs returned the favor too by promising how, “I’m rocking with him through thick and thin.” Even before their debut, communicating on the sidelines, staying back for some extra reps, and connecting during team drills had become a new normal for the Texans. But a full display of this growing connection on the field was pending.

Then their eight games together before the WR tore his ACL in Week 8 really proved that these two would be an offensive dynamite together. However, the Texans already had some plans. You see, when Houston brought Diggs home from the Bills, they knew he was there only for one year. They voided his final three years off of the contract. With the ball in Houston’s court, Diggs could only stay in Texas if the team offered another deal for 2025, or he would walk out as a free agent. And that’s what happened.

Now, with the New England Patriots looking for a wide receiver for QB Drake Maye, a target of Diggs’ caliber had to be on their hitlist. When their wish to bring in Chris Godwin didn’t work out, they called DeMeco Ryans and Stefon’s camp and got down for business– A $69 million/ 3-year deal was confirmed. This would be the second move for the WR within a year, but the bonds built are not easily forgotten. Hence, we knew the “Family” would call in, so, C.J. did.

After Diggs posted a photo of them together with the caption “🔒in together,” Stroud re-shared it, responding: “Love ya 4L trim.” Stroud had shared one more Instagram story with NFL’s post announcing Stefon’s move. He re-shared that post simply with a “🙏🏻” and the sadness but hope for a better future for each other and their understanding was on full display. However, it was quite a sad goodbye because just back in January, Stroud had mentioned how he wanted Diggs to return next season so they could build on what was already established.

“Man, y’all know me, that’s my boy, I would love to have Stef back. And man, I think we were just getting started. Like you see he was having so much fun and me and him were starting to build a rapport,” Stroud said according to NFL’s official transcript from late January. Sure, he wanted to his WR to stay back, indeed, when his connection with other receivers failed, he always found the 4x Pro Bowler in front of him, ready to take the pass.

With the Texans, Diggs collected 47 catches on 64 targets for 496 yards with 3 TDs. Not good for a player his talents and experience in the league, but he was just getting started, as Stroud mentioned. The chemistry was building, the connection was real, and the Texans even named them both captains for the season.

But football rarely sticks to the script. A torn ACL in week 8 against the Colts slammed the brakes on Diggs’ season. And just like that, the dream pairing never got off the ground. Even his free agency stocks were unsure since returning from the injury could take time and many projected that he would, at best, will get a shorter, prove-it type deal.

Still, here we are, and here he is. On Tuesday, the Pats got him a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million in guaranteed money. And why not? Diggs’s resume is stacked. He is– a 2x All-Pro and 4x Pro Bowl, and since entering the league in 2015, he is third with 857 receptions. He only trails Travis Kelce (939) and Davante Adams (919). While with the Bills, he set several team records. The best part? He is set to return in Week 1 for the Pats.

Also, he is the only fourth player in NFL history with 100-plus receptions after Antonio Brown, Davante Adams, and Marvin Harrison. From 2018 to 2023, he posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He is a treasure chest! And New England has him now after him becoming a sort of a journeyman.

Top Comment by Dano

Really, Diggs made Cousins and 100 catch receiver? So Thielen, JJ, TJ made Cousins. What a horrible narrative. Cousins has...more

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Debate

Diggs isn’t new to switching teams. He turned Kirk Cousins into a 100-catch passer in Minnesota, then unlocked MVP-level Josh Allen in Buffalo. Stroud was supposed to be the next chapter in that legacy. And considering Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) as a rookie, the potential was insane.

So what now for Stroud? He moves forward without his veteran No. 1, and the Texans will have to fill a massive void. But for Diggs, he’s got the weight of proving himself—again.

Another goodbye note for Stefon Diggs in a year

Two farewell notes. One year apart. Same player. Stefon Diggs. Seems like it has become his story at this point. First, it was Buffalo. “Bills Mafia, so many great memories… Sadly, good things come to an end,” he wrote last April. Now? The quiet Instagram stories with old game snaps. No captions, no long-winded goodbyes, a simple, “Got mad luv for the guys fr.” Whether he may have expected the team to give him another contract to prove himself or he is upset with his last season and the injury, but the deep thoughts are quite loud.

Now, Mike Vrabel’s rebuilding project in New England will give him the fresh start he’s looking for. Or maybe it’s just another stop before the next chapter.

But here’s the thing—this wasn’t just about money. Diggs was still a sought-after name, even coming off injury. And the Patriots? Desperate for wide receiver help. They swung and missed on Chris Godwin and DK Metcalf. Then, finally, hit on Diggs. Whether he becomes a WR1 or not is not set, but for a team that lacked a go-to guy, he’s instantly the best option for second-year QB Drake Maye.

New England knows what they’re getting in return– A hard worker with high expectations and a guy who’s not afraid to speak his mind. Former teammates and coaches describe him as a “Fiery competitor” and a “Handful”—but in a way that teams will tolerate because he produces. And that’s the key.

If Diggs can bounce back, if he can bring even a fraction of the dominance he had in Buffalo, this Patriots offense suddenly looks a lot more respectable.