Coming into the 2024 season, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud knew that he had plenty of weapons surrounding him. Following a stunning first season where he achieved NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, the emerging signal caller was fortified by two veterans, running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Both were given the task of diversifying the Texans’ scoring tactics while providing leadership to their younger teammates. Unfortunately for Diggs, it didn’t go quite as planned. After a great start in his first year in Houston, he fell victim to an ACL tear, ending his season after just eight games. However, the receiver has already indicated that he hopes to return to action with the team in 2025.
Texans Star Receiver Hopes to Re-Sign With the Team in 2025
Finding a Home in Houston
When the team acquired Stefon Diggs from the Bills, they also voided the final three years of his previous contract, allowing him to become a free agent this offseason. However, during a recent appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, he said that his first inclination is to sign a multi-year deal with the Texans. He also mentioned that he’s already purchased a home in Houston.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I definitely got a home in Houston,” Diggs said. “[But I know] I love those guys over there.”
“I spent some time with the guys in the offseason, and it was kind of weird because it felt like I had known them before. Even though I had somewhat of a relationship with Tank [Dell], it was like I knew them before like they were relatives of mine. Going into this season, it was just so much fun. I woke up every day with a smile.”
Texans coach DeMeco Ryan discussed how important a part of squad that Diggs has been, and how losing him for the season was a blow to the entire team.
“[Losing Diggs] hurts our team to hear that news. He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Ryans said. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”
Diggs’ ACL tear was part of many losses on the Houston offense. Fellow standout receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell have also been hit by injuries, limiting Stroud’s ability aerial options.
The Texans Offense Is More Versatile With Diggs
Diggs had formed a bit of a one-two punch early in the year with Collins, and it became clear that having a veteran playmaker’s presence rubbed off on his younger teammates. So, it’s not surprising that the team has struggled since Diggs has been on the shelf.
Stroud and Co. will have to find some answers down the stretch. Now sitting at 9-6, they are keeping pace in the AFC South ahead of the second-place Indianapolis Colts (7-8). But getting to the postseason won’t be as easy as it sounds.
With just two games remaining, the Texans will have a tough path to the postseason. They face the reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at home on Christmas Day. Then, they cap off the regular season slate by traveling to Tennessee to take on the Titans (currently 3-12) on Jan 5.
