Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - I owe my wife an apology.
Over the last month or so, she asked me about the rumors regarding the Buffalo Bills trading Stefon Diggs. I told her not to pay any attention to them. The Bills would not trade away their best receiver, and one of the best players on the team. Certainly not after the roster purge last month.
She always tells me I should listen to her more often. It appears she was right this time, too.
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The big name player cuts to become salary cap compliant did not shock me. This absolutely did. I just did not see this coming, at least not until next offseason, if at all.
The Bills are still in Super Bowl mode, even after all those releases. So why wouldn’t you want to get, at least, one more season out of one of the best receivers in franchise history?
You might be surprised to know that Diggs leaves town fourth all-time in franchise history in catches, yards receiving and receiving touchdowns.
It would appear the Bills decided to trade Diggs for a few different reasons, including his declining production during the second half of last season, his age (he will turn 31 in November), a contract that has massive salaries and cap numbers left, and the fact that his act might have been wearing thin for management.
All are valid reasons, but this creates a Grand Canyon-sized hole for an offense that relies and thrives on its passing game.
Don’t look at the current depth chart, because it will only make you worry more.
So now what do the Bills do?
One of my first thoughts was general manager Brandon Beane must have another move ready to go. I sincerely hope he will make another trade to bring in an established receiver for Josh Allen to throw the ball to.
There are still some names you’d be familiar with on the free agent market, so maybe he looks there for a one-year value deal with someone.
As far as the draft, I was already on board with the Bills taking a receiver with their first-round pick. Now I believe it's imperative. I would even sign off on the second-round selection going to a receiver too, but there’s no way the Bills would do that. They seem to only do that for defensive linemen.
If you need calming down, like I did, keep in mind the Kansas City Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill in a move that stunned many, but they won two more Super Bowls without him.
The draft can also produce stud receivers who can have a big impact as a rookie. Justin Jefferson, who was Diggs’ replacement when the Minnesota Vikings traded him to the Bills, is just one example.
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I’ve also been asked if I think the Bills' Super Bowl window is closing.
I still think they are a playoff team, and I still believe they can successfully defend their AFC East crown.
As far as the Super Bowl window is concerned, we have a window in one of our bedrooms that always slides down slightly if you don’t lock it properly. It only opens by a crack, but it still opens.
The Diggs trade made that Bills' Super Bowl window slide down just a little bit from completely open. The good news is the offseason isn’t done, so this can change based on what moves the Bills make by Week 1.
