Former NFL player Donte Whitner recently made a bold statement about the Buffalo Bills’ upcoming season. In a clip from the “Up & Adams” Podcast that was posted on Twitter Monday, Whitner expressed his belief that Stefon Diggs will be the one player the Bills will miss the most this season.
Whitner, who played for the Bills from 2006 to 2010, knows a thing or two about the team and its players. So when he says that Diggs’ absence will be felt immediately, it’s worth paying attention to.
“They are going to miss him a lot,” Whitner said to host Kay Adams on the podcast. “He’s a guy that’s been able to separate at the top of the route, make plays downfield, and make big plays.”
It’s no secret that Diggs was a key player for the Bills last season. In his first year with the team, he recorded 1,535 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, earning a spot on the Pro Bowl roster and helping the Bills reach the AFC Championship game. But despite his stellar performance, the Bills traded Diggs to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, leaving many fans and experts questioning the team’s decision.
Whitner is one of those questioning the trade, as he believes Diggs’ skillset and presence on the field will be sorely missed by the Bills. And he’s not alone in this opinion. Other former players and analysts have also expressed concern about the Bills’ decision to trade Diggs.
But why exactly do so many people believe that Diggs’ absence will be a major blow to the Bills? The answer lies in his exceptional talent and his chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen.
Diggs’ speed, route-running ability, and reliable hands make him a top receiver in the league. Last season, he led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, cementing himself as one of the best wide receivers in the game. His presence on the field commanded attention from opposing defenses, allowing other players on the Bills’ offense to thrive.
But it’s not just his physical abilities that make Diggs a valuable player. His chemistry with Allen was one of the key factors in the Bills’ success last season. The two developed a strong connection on the field, with Allen often looking to Diggs as his go-to receiver in crucial moments. This chemistry and trust between the two players is not easily replaceable, and it may take time for the Bills’ offense to adjust without Diggs in the mix.
Of course, there are those who argue that the Bills made the right decision in trading Diggs. They point to the fact that the team was able to acquire a first-round draft pick in the trade, which they used to select defensive end Gregory Rousseau. They also argue that the Bills have a strong receiving corps, with players like Emmanuel Sanders and Cole Beasley, who can step up in Diggs’ absence.
While these points may be valid, it is still hard to ignore the impact that Diggs had on the Bills’ offense last season. His contributions were crucial in the team’s success, and it is uncertain if the Bills will be able to replicate that without him.
In the end, only time will tell if Whitner’s prediction will come true. But one thing is for sure, the Bills will undoubtedly miss Stefon Diggs this season. His absence will be felt on the field, in the locker room, and by fans who have grown to love and appreciate his talents. But the Bills are a resilient team, and they have shown that they can overcome obstacles. With hard work and determination, they may be able to prove Whitner wrong and have a successful season without Diggs.
