Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott Speaks Candidly on Stefon Diggs Replacement Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott acknowledges the challenge of replacing Stefon Diggs in the upcoming season. With Diggs traded to the Houston Texans in a surprising move, the Bills lose their primary wide receiver and a crucial component of their journey to becoming Super Bowl contenders. McDermott, speaking to reporters on April 18, stressed that Diggs’ departure leaves a significant void that cannot be easily filled, emphasizing the collective effort required from multiple players to compensate for his absence.
“It’s undoubtedly difficult, isn’t it? Stef is an exceptional player,” McDermott remarked. “We’ve had some great moments together and achieved a lot. He played a pivotal role in our victories. We’ll feel his absence. You can’t simply replace a player like Stefon Diggs. We extend our best wishes to him and his family. Moving on from a player of his caliber is never easy. Now, we turn our attention back to our roster and look forward to the opportunities for other players to step up.”
McDermott acknowledged the challenging circumstances that led to trading Diggs, citing the team’s substantial salary cap constraints. Approximately a month before the trade, the Bills made several roster adjustments to alleviate their cap situation, including the release of veterans Mitch Morse and Jordan Poyer and restructuring Von Miller’s contract.
“Those decisions were tough,” McDermott admitted. “You can’t simply replace individuals like them. Each person is unique. Nonetheless, it presents an opportunity for others to assume new roles.”
Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News highlighted that trading Diggs provided immediate cap relief and will significantly benefit the team’s cap situation in the following season. McDermott mentioned internal deliberations preceding the trade. When asked about quarterback Josh Allen’s involvement in these discussions, McDermott noted collaboration without specifying Allen’s exact role.
“We always engage in discussions, sometimes multiple, and maintain ongoing communication,” McDermott explained. “This was a substantial decision—one that we approached thoughtfully. We aim to prioritize the team’s best interests, both in the short and long term.”
Many analysts anticipate the Bills addressing Diggs’ departure in the NFL Draft, with some speculating a potential trade to acquire a top receiver. In a mock draft by Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press, he predicts the Bills trading up to the No. 4 spot to select Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., the top-rated receiver.
Maaddi recognizes the pressure on the Bills following Diggs’ departure and suggests drafting Harrison as a step towards securing a new primary wideout.
“Harrison, son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, showcased his prowess last season,” Maaddi observed. “While his draft stock may have dipped due to skipping offseason workouts, his on-field performance speaks volumes. With the pressure to contend for a Super Bowl and the need for a new No. 1 wideout after trading Stefon Diggs, the Bills could see Harrison as the solution.”
