The New York Jets could be in line for more help at wide receiver, as ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has identified them as an ideal destination for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs in free agency.
Barnwell argues that if Diggs is still performing at a near top-10 level, he would be a major value signing. He highlighted Diggs’ consistency, noting his four consecutive Pro Bowls with the Buffalo Bills and his strong pace for a 1,054-yard season with the Houston Texans. Given his ability to create separation against man coverage, he remains a valuable asset for any team in need of a playmaking receiver.
Additionally, Barnwell pointed out that any team signing Diggs wouldn’t have to take on much long-term financial risk, as he likely won’t command a multi-year guaranteed contract at this stage of free agency.
He compared Diggs’ situation to Odell Beckham Jr., who signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Ravens in 2023 despite missing an entire season due to injury and producing less in the years prior. With no draft compensation required to acquire Diggs, Barnwell believes any receiver-needy team—especially the Jets—should have interest in adding him.
A Diggs Signing Would Be a Low Risk vs. High Reward Proposition
Stefon Diggs, 31, has built an impressive NFL career since being selected 146th overall in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Over 10 seasons, he has amassed 857 receptions, 10,491 receiving yards, and 70 touchdowns.
Diggs was on track for another strong season in 2024 before a torn ACL ended his campaign early. In eight games, he recorded 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns, putting him on pace for 100 receptions, 1,054 yards, and six touchdowns—marking what would have been his seventh consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Due to his injury, Diggs’ market value has dropped compared to what he might have commanded if fully healthy. Pro Football Focus projects him to sign a one-year, $16 million fully guaranteed deal, which would rank him 21st among the highest-paid receivers in the league, according to Over The Cap.
PFF notes that even in an offense where he wasn’t the primary target, Diggs remained highly effective. Before his injury, he was on pace to maintain his streak of PFF receiving grades above 75.0 while keeping his drop rate below 10% on catchable passes.
However, given his reliance on lateral agility and the impact of an ACL injury on an older player, his free agency situation is somewhat comparable to Odell Beckham Jr.’s in 2023. Beckham, coming off an ACL tear in the Super Bowl two years prior, signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $15 million deal with the Ravens.
As Diggs enters free agency, teams in need of a veteran playmaker could view him as a high-upside option at a relatively affordable price.
Jets Need to Find a Robin to Garrett Wilson’s Batman
Stefon Diggs adapted well to a complementary role with the Houston Texans in 2024. If he were to land with the New York Jets, he would serve as a strong No. 2 option behind Garrett Wilson.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen ranks Diggs as the third-best remaining free agent overall and the top wide receiver still available.
“An ACL injury limited Diggs to eight games last season. His play speed is also starting to slip. But Diggs is a quality route runner who, once healthy and cleared to play next season, can create separation and produce after the catch,” Bowen noted.
However, Diggs comes with some off-field concerns. Known for his cryptic social media posts, he has had tensions with both the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, leading to trades from both teams.
Despite that baggage, Diggs remains one of the most skilled receivers in the league. For a Jets team in need of another playmaker, the potential reward could outweigh the risk.
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