Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - There's been a lot of talk about Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's relationship with Stefon Diggs over the past two years, especially since the team traded the wide receiver back on April 3.
Whatever their relationship was, or became, Allen said on Thursday he will always love Diggs "like a brother," and wishes him the best of luck with the Houston Texans.
"I shared a text with him, and got one back and just thanking him for everything that he did for me," Allen told reporters at One Bills Drive on Thursday after the team held an offseason workout.
"I'll always have a spot in my heart for him."
Since the Bills acquired Diggs in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, the two have been one of the most prolific quarterback-receiver duos in the National Football League. Over the last four years, the two have combined for 644 pass receptions for 5,372 yards and 37 touchdowns.
"It's definitely hard to part ways with a guy that's been very instrumental in our success here over the last four years," Allen said of Diggs' departure. "And again, I can't thank him enough for when he came in and how hard he worked and what he taught me along the years."
Diggs was one of several key players the team moved on from this offseason, which included other veterans like center Mitch Morse, safety Jordan Poyer, defensive back Siran Neal, and cornerback Tre'Davious White.
Safety Micah Hyde is still a free agent and has yet to decide if he wants to play in 2024.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Gabe Davis also left the team in free agency, signing a free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That's a lot of leadership gone from the Bills' locker room very suddenly.
"Obviously, I wish we can keep everybody," Allen said. "We've made a lot of changes this offseason, lost a lot of veteran leadership, 'Stef' being one of them. I guess that's the nature of the business. Going into Year 7 now, it's just kind of is what it is. I don't get paid to make changes on the team, I get paid to be the best quarterback that I can be, and try to lead the guys on this team."
