Stefon Diggs was supposed to complete the Houston Texans’ trio of elite receivers in 2024. He joined Nico Collins and Tank Dell in C.J. Stroud’s arsenal, but his season was cut short after he tore his ACL in Week 8.
The 10-year veteran signed with the New England Patriots in free agency, and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans recently spoke about Diggs at the NFL annual meeting.
DeMeco Ryans Praises Stefon Diggs, Wishes Him the Best in New England
Diggs spent four years with the Buffalo Bills before being traded to Houston in the 2024 offseason. He was prolific with Josh Allen, surpassing 1,000 yards each year in Buffalo and leading the league in yards (1,535) and receptions (127) in 2020.
The Bills gave Diggs a four-year extension before the 2022 season but traded him in 2024 with two years remaining. Houston restructured Diggs’ extension when he arrived, making it a one-year deal, and hoped that would motivate the veteran for 2024.
He got off to a hot start and totaled 47 catches, 496 yards, and three touchdowns in eight games. Unfortunately, the ACL injury derailed Diggs’ 2024, but it didn’t stop New England from signing him to a three-year, $63.5 million contract in free agency.
Ryans spoke about Diggs at the league meeting, and Texans writer Aaron Wilson tweeted a video with Ryans’ comments.
Ryans said, “It was a pleasure working with Stefon. One of the best competitors I’ve been around. Brings a ton of great energy to practice; he’s a worker. He loves to work. Being a veteran guy, he shows up every day, playing hard in practice, and it shows up in the game. Guy you can count on, especially in those third-down critical moments. A guy you can count on to make plays.”
Ryans was also asked about how Diggs responded after tearing his ACL.
“For me, it’s always tough anytime you see any guys go down. Stef being one of our top players, one of our leaders on the team. Seeing him go down non-contact was very difficult to see. He’s been working hard through the offseason process to get himself back ready to go.”
Ryans was then asked if the Texans hoped to bring back the veteran receiver.
“For sure. We don’t want to get rid of good players. Stef’s a good player, it’s hard to see him go. Wanted to get him back, but didn’t work out that way. Wishing him well in New England.”
The Patriots need a shot in the arm offensively. Last year, rookie quarterback Drake Maye was the lone bright spot for New England’s offense. The unit finished No. 26 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, with tight end Hunter Henry leading the team with 66 catches and 674 yards.
Diggs brings immediate leadership and credibility to New England’s receiver room and should help continue Maye’s early-career development.