Buffalo, NY – March 25, 2025
Stefon Diggs has thrown a curveball at his former team, demanding a jaw-dropping $25 million for a single year to consider a return to the Buffalo Bills, sources close to the wide receiver told ESPN late Monday. The six-time Pro Bowler, now a free agent after a one-year stint with the Houston Texans, made his stance clear following a cryptic X post hinting at unfinished business in Orchard Park. With Bills GM Brandon Beane facing a tight $3.9 million cap space per Spotrac, Diggs’ bold ask—far exceeding his $22.52 million 2024 Texans deal—would require a financial overhaul, possibly slashing stars like Matt Milano to make it work. “I know what I bring,” Diggs reportedly told confidants. “Beane wants me back? It’s $25 million or nothing.”
Diggs’ resume backs his swagger, even after an injury-marred 2024. Before an ACL tear ended his season in Week 8 with Houston, he hauled in 47 catches for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns across 8 games, averaging 10.6 yards per catch, per NFL.com. His Bills tenure from 2020-2023 was legendary—445 receptions, 5,372 yards, and 37 TDs, leading the NFL in catches and earning a 2020 First-team All-Pro nod. Over 10 seasons, he’s stacked 11,406 yards and 80 TDs, cementing his status as a top-tier WR. At 31, the ACL injury dents his stock, but his pre-injury 2023 form (1,183 yards, 8 TDs) shows he’s still a game-changer when healthy.
For Buffalo, Diggs’ $25 million demand reignites a love-hate saga after his 2024 trade to Houston for a 2025 second-round pick. Pairing him with Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman could restore the Bills’ aerial dominance, lost since his exit, and boost Josh Allen’s Super Bowl odds—fan chants of “Bring Stef back!” flooded X after his post. But the cap crunch—already stretched by Joey Bosa’s $12.6 million deal—makes it a long shot, potentially forcing Beane to pass on re-signing Asante Samuel Jr. For the Texans, Diggs’ departure as a UFA leaves Nico Collins as WR1, freeing $5.8 million in 2025 cap hit but losing a veteran spark. If Beane meets this steep price, Bills Mafia might see their prodigal son return—or watch him walk to a rival willing to pay.