Stefon Diggs incalculably valuable to Buffalo Bills offense

Stefon Diggs’ contract was ranked as the most valuable contract in the NFL but, even without the money involved, his worth to the Buffalo Bills is massive.

The Buffalo Bills knew they were making a strong investment whenever they traded their 2020 first-round pick to Minnesota for wide receiver Stefon Diggs. As time has passed, though, the investment has only gotten stronger. In fact, Brad Spielberger of PFF recently ranked Diggs’ contract as the best in the NFL.

Looking at Diggs’ five-year, $72 million contract that was originally signed while he was with the Vikings, the value is obvious. Especially after restructuring this offseason, Diggs making shy of $12 million per year over the final two years of his contract in base salary makes him just the 25th highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL in terms of cap hit.

Considering that Diggs was a surefire top-five wide receiver in the league last season, his first with the Bills, having him at that price is substantially valuable. But even if you take the money out of the equation, the impact of Diggs on the Buffalo offense has been immense and almost immeasurable.

The value of Stefon Diggs for the Buffalo Bills goes beyond dollars and cents.

In his first season with the Bills, Stefon Diggs set career-highs across the board, save for touchdowns, with 127 receptions for 1,535 yards on the season. And it’s not remotely a coincidence that his arrival in Buffalo paved the way for Josh Allen to break out as a legitimate star quarterback in the league.

Yes, having a viable No. 1 wide receiver who perfectly fits Allen’s big-armed game obviously helps the quarterback in itself. After all, Allen had not had that reliable presence to look to for big plays earlier in his career. However, Diggs also opens up the rest of the offense for Allen to thrive.

Cole Beasley wouldn’t have had 967 receiving yards if Diggs’ outside and downfield presence wasn’t helping to open the middle of the field. Gabriel Davis wouldn’t have been the Bills third-leading receiver as a rookie if he wasn’t allowed to see a ton of single coverage. And even Allen wouldn’t have had room to run as effectively on reduced attempts without the attention Diggs commands.

The great news for the Bills is that Diggs still has three years left on his current contract, meaning he remains a financial value as they are preparing to pay Allen a massive extension at the end of his rookie deal. However, if Diggs continues this, any new extension Buffalo signs the wide receiver to will be well worth it and, even at a more expensive price, still valuable.

Trading for Stefon Diggs, regardless of if he’s a steal financially or not, has impacted the Bills offense more positively than almost anything else, save for maybe Brian Daboll and Allen’s development. And therein lies the reason why the wide receiver is so valuable, not just the money he’s making.