Typically, a change of surroundings could make a world of distinction — particularly for NFL stars.
Two-time All-Professional Stefon Diggs gave the impression to be a participant who may benefit from some new environment heading into the 2024 season.
Though he agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension with the Buffalo Payments in 2022, Diggs quickly appeared to develop sad together with his state of affairs in Western New York. It will definitely grew to become apparent that the Payments and Diggs have been headed towards a divorce. The standout large receiver is now breaking his silence on how his breakup with the Payments got here to fruition.
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Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Payments warms up previous to an NFL soccer sport towards the Miami Dolphins at Exhausting Rock Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Photographs)
“Final yr, I used to be within the worst psychological area I have been in since I have been within the league,” Diggs advised GQ Sports activities. “If I am not in area, clearly that is not the perfect for me. In order that’s when issues needed to begin shaking out.”
BILLS BRASS EXPLAINS HOW ‘ALBATROSS’ CONTRACT LED TO DECISION TO MOVE ON FROM STEFON DIGGS
Diggs’ 2023 marketing campaign bought off to a promising begin. He recorded no less than 100 receiving yards in 5 of the primary six video games of the season, however he ended the yr on a way more pedestrian tempo. Diggs solely managed to surpass the 80 yards receiving mark on two events over the past 11 weeks of the common season.
Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Payments reacts in the course of the AFC Divisional Playoff sport towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Highmark Stadium on January 21, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Photographs)
The Payments defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers within the wild-card spherical, earlier than falling to the ultimately Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the divisional spherical. Diggs completed the sport towards the Steelers with 52 receiving yards, however solely managed to haul in a single catch for 7 yards within the divisional spherical.
Diggs pointed to the Payments’ efficiency down the stretch final season when he spoke about his eventual departure.
Aug 17, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans large receiver Stefon Diggs (1) earlier than the sport towards the New York Giants at NRG Stadium. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports activities)
“The video games appeared lots totally different,” Diggs stated. “You’ll be able to blame me. I do not thoughts blaming me. I bought massive a– shoulders. However listen, pay actual shut consideration. Watch the sport. In fact there’s loads of performs I need again. However there’s a variety of performs that did not go my means.”
Diggs continued to query what contributed to the drop in manufacturing because the season went on.
“I would like a variety of issues to go proper to get the ball … You’ll be able to’t roll away from bed and get 800 yards within the first eight video games. Your greatest receiver’s doing that. You inform me concerning the final 10. What modified? Have been there modifications occurring? I simply take note of what actually occurred and never what individuals attempt to act like occurred. Like, for the final 10 video games, I forgot f—-ng play soccer?”
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Vast receiver Gabe Davis additionally left the Payments this offseason because the 25-year-old signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However the Payments entrance workplace signal veteran go catchers Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
In April, Buffalo drafted former Florida State large receiver Keon Coleman within the second spherical.
“I might say our receiver room proper now could be like Baskin-Robbins,” Payments common supervisor Brandon Beane joked. “We bought a variety of flavors.”
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