An anonymous coach pushed back on some of the criticism that has followed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and his reputation.
Diggs, who played with the Houston Texans in the 2024 NFL season, is currently a free agent.
“One coach who worked closely with Diggs told ESPN he is one of his all-time favorites because he ‘loves football, practices hard and with purpose, and wants to be coached,’ adding that ‘he’s a warmer person than the stigma that follows him,’” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote.
Diggs has played with the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills and Texans in his NFL career, and he recently took a visit with the New England Patriots as he looks to find a new team. The Patriots could be an interesting landing spot for Diggs since they have a young quarterback in Drake Maye who showed some promise as a rookie in the 2024 season.
Last season, Diggs tore his ACL in his right knee on Oct. 27, cutting his campaign short. In the eight games that he appeared in for the Texans, Diggs caught 47 of his 64 targets for 496 yards and three scores. He also added three carries for eight yards and a score.
“League sources have described Diggs as ahead of schedule, already running full speed and gaining increased comfort cutting and changing direction,” Reiss wrote about Diggs’ recovery from his knee injury.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Diggs had six straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards before his 2024 campaign ended early. He’s been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL during much of his career and would be a flashy addition to a team in need of receiving help.
New England certainly fits that bill, as it didn’t have a single player finish with over 700 receiving yards in the 2024 season.
It’s unclear what the price will end up being for Diggs on the open market, but another veteran receiver – Cooper Kupp – recently received a three-year deal worth $45 million from the Seattle Seahawks after he was released by the Los Angeles Rams.
Hopefully for Diggs, he will find a good landing spot ahead of the 2025 campaign. The 31-year-old was a solid contributor in Houston last season when he was available, and he may still have a Pro Bowl season or two left in him even after dealing with a season-ending knee injury.
