April 5, 2025 | By ESPN Staff
Stefon Diggs has lit a match under the AFC East rivalry. At his Patriots introductory presser Saturday, the new wideout—inked to a 3-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed—beamed to reporters, “Patriots fans, I love you—your passion’s unreal. This feels like home.”
The words landed like a sledgehammer in Buffalo. After four stellar years with the Bills, Diggs’ flattery for Foxborough’s faithful—paired with a smirk about facing his old team twice a year—felt like a betrayal to a fanbase that once adored him.
Bills Mafia didn’t hold back. “Diggs sucking up to Pats fans? He’s a traitor,” one fan raged on X, while another spat, “Dead to me—enjoy choking in New England.” The venom’s fresh—Buffalo traded Diggs in 2024 for a second-round pick, shedding his $22.5 million cap hit.
Diggs’ Bills tenure was pure gold—445 catches, 5,372 yards, and 37 TDs from 2020-2023, peaking with a league-leading 1,535 yards in 2020. His 12.1 yards per catch turned Josh Allen into an MVP. But his 2024 Texans stint faded fast—47 catches, 496 yards, 3 TDs in 8 games before an ACL tear.
That history makes his Patriots praise sting harder. In 2020, he barked “Shut the f*** up” at Pats fans after a Bills TD—now he’s their darling. Patriots fans gloated on X: “Diggs loves us? Bills tears are delicious.” His nine games against New England averaged 78 yards and 7 TDs.
Buffalo’s passing game, now 14th at 226.4 yards per game, still hums with Allen’s 2024 MVP haul—4,642 yards, 42 TDs. Diggs’ 2022 sideline rant lingers, but Bills fans can’t stomach his new tune—especially with a $4.45 million cap crunch fueling trade buzz for James Cook.
Patriots QB Drake Maye gains a WR1 lifeline—New England’s top 2024 receiver, Hunter Henry, mustered 42 yards per game. Diggs’ charm could jolt a stagnant offense, but his “love you” line has Bills fans seeing red.
Two 2025 showdowns loom large—Diggs’ flattery has turned a rivalry into a grudge match. Bills Mafia’s ready to boo their ex-star into oblivion, proving his words hit harder than any stat line ever could.
