The Bills made a huge change to their roster last offseason when they traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Texans.

Diggs had four turbulent seasons in Buffalo full of ups and downs. After his arrival, he quickly became a favorite target of star quarterback Josh Allen and led the NFL in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535) in his first season in 2020.

He then recorded double-digit touchdowns two seasons in a row and had at least 100 pass catches and 1,100 yards in all four years with the Bills.

However, after a regression in 2023, including the dispute with Allen and head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo’s front office decided it was best to part ways with Diggs. Here’s how it went down.

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Stefon Diggs trade details

Texans receive:

• WR Stefon Diggs
• 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 187, traded to the Lions in draft)
• 2025 fifth-round pick

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The Bills traded Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Texans for a 2025 second-round pick.

Houston traded Buffalo’s 2024 sixth-round pick to the Lions in return for a later 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 205) and a 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 249).

The Texans selected Louisville RB Jawhar Jordan and Michigan OL LaDarius Henderson with these picks.

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Why did the Bills trade Stefon Diggs?

Diggs’ relationship with the Bills began to crumble before the start of the 2023 season.

He was granted an excused absence from mandatory minicamp in the offseason, and head coach McDermott explained, “We got to a point yesterday where we just felt like we all needed a break and some space.”

Diggs’ performance dropped off sharply at the end of the 2023 season, leading to frustration with his inclusion in the offense and ultimately his departure from Buffalo.

The All-Pro receiver averaged 10 passes and 80.8 yards with eight touchdowns in the first 12 games. In the last five games, that average dropped to 7.8 passes and 42.8 yards without a single touchdown. In two playoff games, he managed just 10 passes and 73 yards with zero touchdowns.

There were reportedly minor arguments between Diggs and star quarterback Allen during this difficult phase, but since the transfer, something positive has happened between the two players.

“He was an important part of my career,” Diggs said of Allen. “Josh was and still is my man. … I love that boy very much, so give him a big hug and a kiss from me, everyone.”

Allen expressed a similar opinion about Diggs.

“He will always have a place in my heart, I will always love him like a brother and wish him only the best,” Allen said in a press conference after the trade.

Diggs answered perfectly when asked how he was adjusting to life in Buffalo just days before his Texans debut.

“I’m not talking bad about my old girlfriend to make my new girlfriend feel good. I’m just happy to be where I am.”

Why did the Texans sign Stefon Diggs?

This side of the deal is much more self-explanatory.

After years of building for the future, Houston looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender under the leadership of up-and-coming quarterback CJ Stroud. The debut season of the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year was reason enough for the Texans’ front office to go all out this past offseason.

When a playmaker like Diggs became available, Houston pounced.

The 31-year-old is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and represents another outside weapon for Stroud alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The Texans have also strengthened their offense by signing Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.

Diggs made an immediate impression in his first game with Stroud, scoring two touchdowns on six pass catches for 33 yards in a win.

The Texans restructured Diggs’ contract after the trade, negotiating a one-year deal with $22.52 million guaranteed so both sides can explore the situation and reevaluate his future in Houston after the season.