Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently spoke about the absence of wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the team’s first mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday. According to Allen, the issue behind Diggs’ absence is being worked on by the team internally.
Diggs’ Absence and Teamwork
Allen stated that he does not believe there is a personality conflict between himself and Diggs, but acknowledged that there were things that could have been done better last year. He mentioned that the Bills can support Diggs by incorporating him better into the team’s plans and getting him more involved in the game. Allen emphasized that it was related to teamwork and goes beyond just football, taking some responsibility himself by saying that there were things he could do better to help the process and get Diggs back in the team.
According to Allen, communication within the organization may not have been effective in the past. He said that he is trying to talk and listen simultaneously to understand Diggs’ concerns and move forward as quickly and respectfully as possible. Allen and Diggs spoke on Tuesday, and the quarterback downplayed the significance of Diggs’ absence, stating that it was still June and there was enough time before the season starts. Pass-rusher Von Miller also mentioned that Diggs’ absence during practice at this time of year is “not that serious.” Both players expressed their love and support for the wide receiver.
Diggs’ Production and Future with the Bills
Diggs signed a four-year, $96 million extension last offseason, and trading him would incur a significant dead cap hit, including $13.2 million this year. His deal included $70 million guaranteed, the third most all time for a wide receiver. Diggs and Buffalo had planned for him to retire with the Bills when he signed the contract in April 2022.
After the team’s postseason loss to the Bengals in January, where the Buffalo offense had its lowest output of the year, Diggs was visibly upset with Allen on the sideline and left before talking to the media. Diggs’ tweets have also been cryptic at times this offseason, but this is not uncommon.
Diggs’ production declined in the second half of the 2022 season. He started the year on pace for his best career season statistically, with 72 receptions on 98 targets for 985 yards and seven touchdowns in the first nine games. In the nine games that followed, including the postseason, Diggs caught 47 receptions on 74 targets and four touchdowns. Despite this decline, Diggs has totaled 1,200-plus receiving yards in each of his three seasons with the Bills and has scored 29 touchdowns. Allen and Diggs have connected on 338 completions over the past three seasons, the most for any quarterback-receiver duo in the NFL since 2020.
Conclusion
The Bills are scheduled to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and Diggs is expected to be present for the entirety of the minicamp. Behind Diggs, the Bills’ wide receiver room includes Gabe Davis, Trent Sherfield, Deonte Harty, and Khalil Shakir. The Bills also drafted tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round this year. Despite Diggs’ absence, Allen remains optimistic that the issues will be resolved, emphasizing his love and support for the wide receiver and the importance of teamwork.
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