Josh Allen recently addressed the offseason trade that sent his former Buffalo Bills teammate, Stefon Diggs, to the New England Patriots, adding a new layer of intrigue to the AFC East rivalry.
Allen’s comments shed light on his feelings about the change as the 29-year-old NFL MVP admitted that the trade was a significant change for him personally and for the team.
“It’s definitely hard to part ways with a guy that’s been very instrumental in our success here over the last four years,” Allen said to reporters. “I don’t get paid to make changes on the team.
“I get paid to be the best quarterback that I can be and try to lead the guys on this team. My lasting memory of Stef will be [that he was] the receiver that helped me become the quarterback that I am today.”
He also mentioned that he had shared a text with Diggs after the trade, expressing gratitude for their time together as he acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the new dynamics but emphasized the importance of moving forward.
During their time at Highmark Stadium, the pair enjoyed four years of chemistry that led to 5,372 receiving yards and 37 touchdowns, including runs to the AFC Championship Game too.
Now, the quarterback-wide receiver duo now finds itself on opposite sides of one of the NFL’s most intense divisional rivalries as Diggs heads to the Patriots, who also compete in the AFC East.
Allen gives Diggs his Drake Maye blessing
Since leaving Buffalo, Diggs’ career has taken an unexpected turn. After a one-year stint with the Houston Texans, which was cut short due to a mid-season ACL injury as he failed to secure a Pro Bowl selection for the first time since 2019.
Despite the injury setback, he managed to register 47 receptions for 496 yards, three receiving touchdowns, and even scored the first rushing touchdown of his career.
It highlights his continued versatility on the field and now with New England, Diggs steps into a mentor role for second-year quarterback, Drake Maye; something Allen believes could be mutually beneficial.
“I think Drake is super talented, he’s one of my favorite young quarterbacks in the league,” Allen said. “I’ve spent some time around him and he’s got his head on his shoulders the right way.
“He just does things the right way. I think that he exemplifies football. He’ll take it and run, he’ll throw it, and to have someone like Stefon is going to help him out a lot.”
Maye’s rookie season concluded with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions-statistics solid enough to earn him a Pro Bowl selection despite New England’s poor record.
With Diggs and a fellow former Buffalo Bills ace, Mack Hollins, added to the receiving corps, expectations are high for the Patriots offense in 2025.
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