Stats for every wide receiver the Buffalo Bills have acquired since trading Stefon Diggs
As the Buffalo Bills head into the 2021 NFL season, one glaring question mark looms over their offense: who will step up to fill the void left by the departure of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs? Since being traded to the Bills from the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Diggs quickly became a key player in Buffalo’s passing attack, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field, make acrobatic catches, and consistently move the chains made him a favorite target of quarterback Josh Allen and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
However, despite Diggs’ departure, the Bills have yet to fully replace him with a player of comparable skill and impact. While the team made some moves in the offseason to address their wide receiver depth, including signing veteran Emmanuel Sanders and drafting rookie speedster Marquez Stevenson, neither player has the proven track record or game-changing ability that Diggs brought to the table. As a result, there are legitimate concerns about whether the Bills’ passing game will be able to maintain the same level of success without their star receiver.
One potential option for the Bills is to rely on their existing receiving corps to step up and collectively fill the void left by Diggs. Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, and Isaiah McKenzie all showed flashes of talent last season and have the potential to take on larger roles in the offense. Beasley, in particular, has proven to be a reliable target in the slot, while Davis has shown promise as a deep threat and red zone target. McKenzie, meanwhile, offers speed and elusiveness that can be utilized in creative ways by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Another option for the Bills is to utilize their tight end group more heavily in the passing game. Dawson Knox, Tommy Sweeney, and rookie draft pick Quintin Morris all have the potential to contribute as receiving threats, particularly in the red zone and on third downs. Knox, in particular, has shown flashes of playmaking ability and could be poised for a breakout season if he can stay healthy and improve his consistency.
Of course, the Bills could also look to the free-agent market or trade market to bolster their receiving corps. While most of the top-tier receivers have already signed with new teams or re-signed with their current clubs, there are still some intriguing options available, such as Golden Tate, Larry Fitzgerald, or even a potential reunion with former Bills receiver John Brown. Additionally, the trade market could present opportunities for the Bills to acquire a proven playmaker to help fill the void left by Diggs.
Ultimately, the Bills’ success in replacing Diggs will likely come down to how well Josh Allen can elevate the play of his supporting cast. Allen made significant strides in his development as a passer last season, earning Pro Bowl honors and leading the Bills to the AFC Championship game. If he can continue to improve his accuracy, decision-making, and chemistry with his receivers, the Bills’ passing game should remain one of the most potent in the league, even without Diggs.
In conclusion, while the departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a significant void in the Bills’ offense, there are several potential avenues for the team to explore in order to fill that void and maintain their status as a playoff contender. Whether it’s through internal development, free-agent signings, or trades, the Bills have the talent and coaching to adapt and continue to be a force in the AFC. Only time will tell how they ultimately choose to address the absence of Diggs and whether they can find success in doing so.
Source: Sporting News
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