The Houston Texans have restructured the contract of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, effectively wiping out the final three years of his deal and setting him up for free agency after the 2024 National Football League (NFL) season, as reported by ESPN on Thursday.
The Texans acquired Diggs in a notable trade with the Buffalo Bills, costing them a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (originally via the Minnesota Vikings), while receiving a 2024 sixth-rounder and a 2025 fifth-rounder from the Bills. At the time of the trade, Diggs was under a four-year, $104 million contract.
In an effort to accommodate the star receiver, the Texans have guaranteed his $22.5 million salary for the 2024 season and advanced the $3.5 million guaranteed money originally set for 2025 into the current season. This move not only secures Diggs’s immediate financial future but also grants him the flexibility to explore free agency sooner than initially anticipated.
The decision has financial implications for both teams. The Bills, by parting ways with Diggs, will incur a record $31.096 million in dead money—the highest ever for a wide receiver—on their payroll for the 2024 season, according to ESPN.
Diggs, known for his exceptional route-running and playmaking abilities, has been a significant contributor in the NFL, and his impending free agency is expected to attract considerable attention across the league. His next moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, potentially impacting team strategies and player markets in upcoming seasons.
Reference(s):
Houston Texans to grant Stefon Diggs free agency after 2024 season
cgtn.com
