The Buffalo Bills have an upcoming decision on whether or not to extend the contract of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a player who has recorded over 70 receptions and 800 yards from scrimmage so far this season. The question is how will the hot wide receiver market affect these negotiations?
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ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg
NEW YORK — BUFFALO, N.Y. — The future of Stefon Diggs’ contract has sparked a lot of speculation.
The question of a possible contract extension came up at his first press conference as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
Diggs was acquired by the Bills in March 2020 for four draft selections, including a first-rounder, less than two years after signing a five-year contract deal with the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve modified his contract but haven’t granted Diggs, 28, an extension.
But now, the wide receiver has two years of success with the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen under his belt — including his first two Pro Bowl appearances — and two years left on a contract that isn’t paying him what he’s worth in a market that is growing.
Tyreek Hill ($30 million average annual salary), Davante Adams ($28 million average annual salary), and Mike Williams ($20 million average annual salary) have all signed big wide receiver contracts this offseason.
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This year, Diggs’ $17.1 million cap hit is the most on the squad. An extension would certainly free up a lot of salary room for the Bills, something they need need after adding Von Miller and others this summer. Buffalo presently has $1.09 million in cap space, the second-lowest in the NFL (the New York Giants are 32nd), with further options such as renegotiating cornerback Tre’Davious White’s deal possible to produce extra money.
It helps that Allen has already signed his second contract, allowing the front office to know what they’re up against. With the Bills’ potential so high, maintaining a player of Diggs’ quality is critical to their success, but Buffalo must also strike a balance between that and developing the finest squad possible. Diggs is the team’s top wide receiver, with Gabriel Davis, a potential No. 2 option, Isaiah McKenzie, and new slot receiver Jamison Crowder rounding out the group.
With players like Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf up for extensions and overall cap hikes, it’s best to get things done as soon as possible.
“The market is moving,” Corry said. “He signed a contract in 2018 that he’s obviously underperformed.” They may want to address it sooner rather than later, since if Stefon Diggs isn’t already upset, it’s just human nature.”
It would be a win-win situation for both parties to have Diggs under contract as the Bills attempt to capitalize on a good squad in the future years.
Coach Sean McDermott remarked, “Stef has done a tremendous job of altering the culture or helping to change the culture.” “I believe his competitive spirit, his willingness to put the team first at a position where that isn’t often known, goes a long way in our locker room and in terms of the team that we’ve become.” He puts forth a lot of effort, and the rewards are visible.”
