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Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen reflects on trading star WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen reflects on trading star WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans

Times are changing in Buffalo this season.

After years of playoff failure, the Bills decided to trade their No. 1 star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, a move that marked a turning point for the organization.

That leaves Buffalo with a glaring hole at the wideout position heading into next week’s draft and quarterback Josh Allen bereft of offensive options as they look to get over the hump and win their first-ever Super title. Bowl.

Speaking ahead of what could be a crucial week for the Bills, Allen spoke about losing someone he loves “like a brother” and the difficulty of building a team in the NFL.

“(Diggs) meant a lot. Look at the statistics. The numbers don’t lie,” Allen told reporters.

The 27-year-old continued: “It’s really difficult to part ways with a guy who has been instrumental in our success here.

“I wish we could keep everyone. We have lost a lot of veteran leaders. It’s like that. I’m not paid to make changes to the team.

With Diggs gone, Allen will be thrown into a much-changed receiver group next season.  - Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports/ReutersWith Diggs gone, Allen will be thrown into a much-changed receiver group next season.  - Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

With Diggs gone, Allen will be thrown into a much-changed receiver group next season. – Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Diggs, 30, was traded to the Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. Houston also receives a 2024 sixth-round pick (189th overall) and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

In four seasons with the Bills after being traded there in 2020, he accumulated 5,372 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns. Diggs led the NFL with 127 catches and 1,535 yards during his first year in Buffalo.

However, with continued struggles in the playoffs and the team struggling with its salary cap, the decision to move on from the veteran receiver position was made.

Allen’s current receiving team lacks the star power associated with a team contending for a Super Bowl title, and the team is now expected to target a pass catcher in the first round of the draft in late April.

Fortunately for the Bills, this year’s draft appears well-stocked with wide receiver talent, with NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah ranking 12 out of his top 50 wide receiver prospects, including three of the top four .

However, general manager Brandon Beane – the man charged with making the organization’s personnel decisions – has not confirmed whether Buffalo will select a pass catcher in its first-round selection.

“We haven’t fulfilled the number one role,” Beane told reporters. “I would say we have a group of guys here today that we think bring different skill sets.

“We love the group. Would we like to add anything to it at some point? Yes. But I don’t think we have a glaring hole. But I understand the question and I understand the perception.

The Bills currently have the 28th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the first round taking place on April 25 in Detroit.

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