Stefon Diggs Enters Free Agency: A Look at Potential Landing Spots
Stefon Diggs, the dynamic wide receiver, is poised to enter the free agency market this offseason for the first time in his accomplished career. This marks not only a new chapter for the veteran but also a new experience as he navigates the landscape without the guaranteed status of being the undisputed top target. Diggs, now 31 years old, has enjoyed a career marked by high demand, consistently serving as a primary receiving threat for the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills. However, his recent stint with the Houston Texans presented a different dynamic, forcing him to adapt to a role where he shared the spotlight.
In Houston, Diggs found himself working alongside emerging talents like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, which undeniably altered his target share and overall impact. To further complicate matters, his 2024 season was prematurely cut short by a torn ACL suffered in Week 8. This injury casts a shadow over his free agency prospects, raising questions about his recovery timeline and potential performance level moving forward.
Despite the injury concerns, Diggs possesses a proven track record of elite production. When healthy, he remains a capable route runner with strong hands and an undeniable knack for making contested catches. These attributes make him an intriguing option for teams seeking to add experience and playmaking ability to their receiving corps. The question now becomes: which teams will be willing to overlook the injury and bet on Diggs’ potential to return to form?
Here’s a breakdown of potential landing spots for Stefon Diggs in 2025, considering team needs, cap space, and overall strategic direction:
Dallas Cowboys:
The Dallas Cowboys are perpetually in search of offensive firepower to complement their star receiver, CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys restructured the contracts of both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, creating more flexibility to add to their receiver core. The team has struggled to find a consistent number two option, often relying on a rotating cast of players. The Cowboys have a track record of frugality in free agency, famously not exceeding $6 million per year on an outside free agent since signing Greg Hardy back in 2015. However, Diggs might present a compelling case to break that trend.
The allure of acquiring Diggs extends beyond his on-field abilities. His brother, Trevon Diggs, is a key member of the Cowboys’ defense, potentially creating a family dynamic that could enhance team chemistry. While the ACL injury is a significant factor, the potential upside of pairing a healthy Diggs with Lamb could elevate the Cowboys’ offense to new heights. Furthermore, the urgency to compete in a tough NFC East division might push the Cowboys to take a calculated risk on the veteran receiver.
New England Patriots:
The New England Patriots are desperately searching for playmakers to support their young quarterback, Drake Maye. Their wide receiver group is considered to be among the weakest in the league, hindering the team’s ability to effectively evaluate Maye’s potential. With options dwindling through trades (DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh) and franchise tags (Tee Higgins in Cincinnati), the Patriots may be forced to explore the free agent market for immediate help.
While Stefon Diggs doesn’t perfectly align with the Patriots’ long-term rebuilding plans, his presence would instantly upgrade the receiving room. He would provide a valuable target for Maye and offer a veteran presence to guide younger players. The Patriots have a history of bringing in experienced players to fill specific needs, and Diggs could represent a similar strategy to address their urgent receiving deficiencies. The challenge would be structuring a deal that aligns with both Diggs’ expectations and the Patriots’ financial flexibility.
Los Angeles Chargers:
The Los Angeles Chargers are undergoing a significant offensive transformation under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh. After letting go of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers are in desperate need of receiver help for young quarterback Justin Herbert. They were potential suitors for Metcalf and Higgins, but are now forced to get creative in the draft.
The Chargers possess the second-most cap space in the league, granting them the financial flexibility to make a significant splash in free agency. Adding a player like Diggs would address an immediate need and provide Herbert with a proven target to rely upon. The Chargers could then use their draft picks to further bolster the receiving corps with younger, developing talent. The combination of Diggs’ experience and the influx of fresh talent could create a dynamic and balanced receiving group for the Chargers. Los Angeles is a prime location for Diggs to finish his career in a competitive environment.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in a similar predicament, seeking to bolster their receiving corps after missing out on other top-tier options. The team hired Liam Coen to be the offensive coordinator, and they would like to add another receiver to the team.
The AFC South is emerging as a highly competitive division, and the Jaguars recognize the need to add offensive firepower to contend. Given his age and injury history, Diggs is unlikely to command a premium price in free agency. This could make him an attractive option for the Jaguars, who could view him as a high-upside gamble with the potential to significantly elevate their passing game. Adding Diggs to the team could be the exact boost the offense needs in order to make a postseason push.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The Las Vegas Raiders are determined to return to the playoffs, as evidenced by their recent moves. The Raiders traded for veteran quarterback Geno Smith and hired Pete Carroll as head coach. The moves are not consistent with a team playing the long game in rebuilding the team.
The Raiders traded away Davante Adams last season, leaving a significant void at the receiver position. They are clearly focused on a quick turnaround, and adding a player like Diggs would align with that strategy. The Raiders have the cap space to make a competitive offer, and the opportunity to be the primary receiver in Las Vegas could be appealing to Diggs. The Raiders are in a desperate need for an influx of talent, and Diggs is someone that they may see as a potential leader on the offensive side of the ball.
