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Stefon Diggs and the Kansas City Chiefs were just about ready to finalize their relationship until there was a downer at their party. The killjoy in question? The Buffalo Bills. A dominant team always has a target on its back, especially from rival clubs. And the Bills weren’t about to let their star receiver walk into the arms of their playoff nemesis. Despite the whirlwind of rumors swirling around the potential trade, it fizzled out faster than a botched flea-flicker.

Dubbed the ‘Super Villains’ of the league, the Chiefs found themselves in an unenviable position–a forbidden destination for players seeking greener pastures. Rumor had it that teams outright refused to entertain any notion of sending talent to the Red Army, fearing the juggernaut they might become with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid at the helm. Yet, amid the allure of Mahomes’ magic and Reid’s strategic genius, Buffalo stood firm. They weren’t about to strengthen the NFL’s newest dynasty at their own expense. No matter the scenario, the Bills were resolute: Diggs wasn’t bound for the heart of the Red Kingdom.

Stefon Diggs’ cryptic posts stoked trade speculation

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The whispers of a clandestine meeting between Diggs and the Chiefs ignited in the aftermath of the Bills’ heart-wrenching defeat, the very defeat that dashed their Super Bowl dreams. Suddenly, Diggs, with his flair for the dramatic, took center stage in Buffalo. Fueling speculation and intrigue.

USA Today via Reuters

The Bills’ daunting salary cap woes added fuel to the already raging fire. With an estimated $46 million over the 2024 NFL salary cap, they faced a fiscal mountain too steep to climb. Enter Diggs, with his hefty $28.75 million cap hit. Looming as a potential solution to their financial conundrum. The prospect of a post-June 1 trade involving Diggs promised a lifeline, potentially salvaging nearly $20 million in cap space for the Bills. Suddenly, what once seemed improbable began to take shape as a financially viable option. Casting a shadow of uncertainty over Diggs’ future in Buffalo.

The rumor mill went into overdrive fueled by Diggs’ enigmatic social media posts and a noticeable dip in his on-field performance. NFL Notifications tweeted suggesting Diggs might not don the Bills’ jersey next season. Pointing to his lackluster year and off-season theatrics as potential catalysts for an exit. This tweet, coupled with journalist Stephen A. Smith’s earlier remarks about Diggs eyeing an escape from Buffalo, lent credence to the swirling trade talks.

Bills vs. Chiefs: AFC rivalry reignited amid Diggs trade saga

On the flip side, the Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a triumphant season. Found themselves grappling with deficiencies in their wide receiver corps. The prospect of bolstering their offense with a talent like Diggs was undeniably tantalizing. Sparking excitement throughout the Red Kingdom. With Magic Mahomes aiming for the elusive “three-peat,” the Chiefs stood poised to make a splash.

Adding to the intrigue, the Chiefs emerged as frontrunners in the race to secure the four-time Pro Bowl wideout services. Boasting favorable odds in the eyes of pundits and fans alike. However, navigating the intricate complexities of orchestrating such a high-profile trade posed a formidable challenge for the franchise.

Nevertheless, the Bills’ steadfast refusal to trade within the AFC was a major chip on their shoulder. Particularly when considering the direct rivalry with the Chiefs, who had recently dealt them a bitter defeat in the AFC Championship Game. The Bills harbored no inclination to lend a hand to the very team that had become the bane of their existence, their nemesis.

Even if it meant parting ways with Diggs for what some may deem as a modest return. A mere second-round pick along with a couple of late-round selections—and shouldering a hefty $31 million dead cap hit, Buffalo remained resolute. They were unwavering in their commitment to their principles, refusing to budge despite the allure of potential benefits and the looming presence of an up-and-coming AFC adversary.

Stefon Diggs and Patrick Mahomes – NFL’s next dynamic duo?

As the offseason unfolded, it was evident that the Bills were leaving no stone unturned in their quest to tackle their cap conundrum head-on. Rumors circulated that Buffalo was actively engaged in restructuring contracts, with a keen eye on key players like Diggs, in a bid to carve out the much-needed cap space.

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Ultimately, the rumored trade that would have seen Stefon Diggs don the colors of the Kansas City Chiefs remained just that — a rumor. A concoction of fiscal constraints, strategic evaluations, and the inherent caution of dealing a star player within conference lines kept Diggs anchored in Buffalo for the foreseeable future.

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However, with Diggs’ contract set to expire after a season in Houston, the door swings wide open for potential future collaborations. The tantalizing prospect of linking arms with Patrick Mahomes in 2025 beckons, should both parties find themselves aligned in mutual interest. It’s a scenario that could see Diggs realize a long-held aspiration, teaming up with arguably the premier quarterback in the NFL ranks.

Read More: How Did Kansas City Chiefs Get Two 5th Round Compensatory Picks in NFL Draft 2024