Why did Stefon Diggs leave the Bills? Patriots WR haunts former team with standout display on 'Sunday Night Football'

David Suggs

Why did Stefon Diggs leave the Bills? Patriots WR haunts former team with standout display on 'Sunday Night Football' image

Stefon Diggs reminded the masses just what he could do as a No. 1 option on Sunday night.

The New England Patriots wide receiver has endured a whirlwind past two years, falling victim to both trade and season-ending injury.

With a road matchup against the Buffalo Bills looming in Week 5, Diggs was presented with an opportunity to revisit his various departures in recent seasons. He chose to use that emotion as motivation, turning in an epic performance as the Patriots downed the Bills, 23-20.

Diggs' showing on Sunday night placed a spotlight on the nature of his Buffalo exit. Here's what you need to know about the deal, as well as the numbers behind Diggs' star turn under the Highmark Stadium lights.

MORE: Costly turnovers doom Bills in loss to Patriots on SNF

Why did Stefon Diggs leave the Bills?

At his best, Diggs was a wondrous talent at Highmark Stadium, landing All-Pro honors after leading the league in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535).

All seemed well in his snow-covered palace. But Buffalo's front office appeared to believe something insidious lied beneath the surface. By 2024, the Bills had proven themselves a legitimate Super Bowl contender. And yet, Buffalo had fell short of the big game time and time again.

Something had to change. Management looked towards Diggs, who had made his displeasure with star quarterback Josh Allen known at times over the years.

Cryptic tweets and trade rumors persisted throughout the early parts of the offseason. In April 2024, Buffalo parted ways with its highly-touted receiver, sending Diggs to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, 2025 second-round pick and 2025 fifth-round pick.

Did Stefon Diggs get traded to the Patriots?

Diggs did get traded. He just wasn't traded to the Patriots. Diggs was dealt to the Texans. He summarily restructured the four-year, $96 million extension he signed with the Bills, ensuring that come the end of the 2025 season, Diggs would be a free agent.

Diggs played eight games for Houston in 2024. He tallied 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns. In Week 8, Diggs tore his ACL against the Indianapolis Colts, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. He then inked a three-year, $63.5 million deal with the Patriots in the offseason.

What teams has Stefon Diggs played for?

Diggs has turned out for four sides during his glistening big-league career: the Minnesota Vikings, Bills, Texans and now, Patriots. Diggs found success at pretty much each stop on his NFL passport, landing Pro Bowl honors and 1,000-yard campaigns in both Minnesota and Buffalo. He looks poised to find similar success in New England.

Stefon Diggs stats vs. Bills

Final score: Patriots 23, Bills 20

StatTotal
Targets12
Receptions10
Yards 146
Touchdowns0

Diggs could not have picked a better night to turn back the clock on his pass-catching performances. A week after eclipsing the century mark for receiving yards against the Carolina Panthers, Diggs did it again -- this time on a bigger stage.

Diggs' 146 yards represent his highest total since the 2022 season. He also tallied more receiving yards against Buffalo than any other former Bills player.

The 31-year old powered New England in the back-and-forth affair. He was steady, particularly in the third quarter, anchoring the Patriots' attack alongside Maye. Although neither was able to find pay dirt, both had their fingerprints firmly clasped along Sunday night's result.

Stefon Diggs highlights vs. Bills

Diggs found himself partying like it was 2020 against Buffalo, looking every bit like the All-Pro talent he proved himself to be while prancing across Highmark Stadium in his younger years.

He did his damage in a number of ways, be that on the outside or in the slot. From contested catches in traffic to tip-toe grabs on the sideline, Diggs was on form on Sunday night and Maye realized it early on. Soon, others -- including Buffalo's defenders -- had to take notice.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.