Stefon Diggs Declares Himself Top NFL No. 2 Receiver
As NFL training camps loom, veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs is making a bold claim about his standing in the league, asserting that no team boasts a better secondary receiving option than himself. Diggs, who is currently a free agent after a single season with the New England Patriots, is preparing for his 12th NFL season and is eager to find his next team.
Diggs’ Bold Assertion
In a recent video posted to his personal YouTube channel, Diggs directly addressed the hierarchy of wide receivers. “Everybody got a 1,” he stated, acknowledging the league’s top-tier pass-catchers. “Opportunities aside, people might say there’s seven real 1s. In my opinion, I can compete with anybody, but take those as your 1s. You can’t name a No. 2 better than me.”
He elaborated on this point, challenging potential doubters to name any other team’s second-best receiver and compare their contract and performance to his own. “There’s not a No. 2 on a team. Let’s presumably give people the credit and just say, ‘OK, you want to take the No. 1 spot away.’ Name your No. 2 receiver right now. Tell me how much he makes. My last question is: Is he better than me?” Diggs posed.
Performance Amidst Uncertainty
Diggs’ assertion comes after a season with the Patriots where he recorded 1,013 receiving yards on 85 receptions, with four touchdowns, catching passes from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. This performance marked his seventh career 1,000-yard receiving season, a milestone he has achieved in six of the last seven seasons. Despite his consistent production, his tenure in New England was brief, concluding with his release in March.
The veteran receiver indicated a potential willingness to adjust his contract expectations to join a contender. Being a No. 2 option, he suggested, could mean taking a pay cut to contribute to a team aiming for a playoff run and a Super Bowl appearance. However, as of now, no team has officially signed him.
Addressing Past Legal Issues
While Diggs’ on-field talent is evident, questions may linger regarding off-field matters. In December, he faced felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his private chef. Following a jury trial, Diggs was found not guilty on all counts. The NFL subsequently concluded its own review, citing insufficient evidence to warrant a suspension under its personal conduct policy.
His legal representation, Mitch Schuster of Meister, Seelig & Schuster, emphasized the importance of the legal process in clearing Diggs’ name. “We have taken these allegations seriously from Day One and that’s exactly why we were eager for the facts to come to light through the legal process,” Schuster stated in May. Diggs’ attorney also commented that professional athletes often find themselves under intense scrutiny, suggesting they can be targets.
Potential Landing Spots
Having been cleared by the league and released by the Patriots, Diggs has been actively training and seeking his next NFL opportunity. Several teams could potentially be interested in adding a receiver of his caliber to their roster. Among the speculated destinations are the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
A reunion with the Buffalo Bills, where Diggs enjoyed significant success and built a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen, earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2020 to 2023, also remains a possibility, though perhaps less likely given recent team dynamics.
Looking Ahead
As the league approaches training camp, Stefon Diggs’ status as a free agent continues to be a storyline. His confident declaration about being the league’s premier No. 2 receiver underscores his belief in his abilities and his desire to make a significant impact on his next team, regardless of his role on the depth chart. His proven track record of production, combined with his recent legal vindication, positions him as a potentially valuable addition for any team looking to bolster its receiving corps.
