Stefon Diggs has been a polarizing figure in NFL locker rooms. While some have labeled him a difficult teammate due to past conflicts, others — especially former coaches — have praised his work ethic and leadership.
Stefon Diggs’ Coaches Weigh In on His Character
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently highlighted how Diggs was perceived by his former coaches.
Many regard Diggs as a locker-room leader and a relentless competitor in both practices and games. One Houston Texans coach spoke highly of him, dismissing the negative narratives surrounding his character.
“Loves football, practices hard and with purpose, wants to be coached. Didn’t have any of the gameday stuff that people talked about. He’s a much warmer person than the stigma that follows him. I’ll be hopeful about where he lands,” said a Texans coach.
The negative reputation attached to Diggs doesn’t seem to be widespread in coaching circles. A Buffalo Bills coach echoed that sentiment, making it clear that he valued Diggs highly.
“A coach who’d been with him in Buffalo said, ‘I f***ing love him.’ That sentiment isn’t rare and kept coming up over the weekend when I asked folks, from those who had him in Minnesota to those who were with him in Houston,” Breer reported.
However, Breer also acknowledged that Diggs played a role in some of his past conflicts. While his relationships with Kirk Cousins in Minnesota and Josh Allen in Buffalo weren’t without tension, they weren’t dysfunctional enough to prevent success. Despite some publicized issues, Diggs left a lasting impression on many of his coaches.
Diggs in Free Agency
Now a free agent, Diggs is looking for his next opportunity. While concerns about his injury history and declining production have affected his market, his leadership and experience could make him an impactful addition to the right team.
Diggs is ranked No. 41 on PFSN’s top 121 free agents. He’s coming off a torn ACL, which has raised concerns about his future performance. In 2024, he posted his lowest yards per route run since 2018 and recorded an average depth of target below 10 yards for the first time. These trends suggest he may not return to superstar form, but he could still be a valuable weapon in the right system.
Given the rising receiver market, Diggs likely won’t command a massive contract. His age, injury risk, and declining efficiency make him a potential low-cost, high-reward signing. If he can return to form, he could become a key contributor for a team in need of an experienced playmaker, something his former coaches believe he’s still capable of.