Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the team, shedding new light on what ultimately led to his trade to the Buffalo Bills in 2020. Diggs, who has become a star in Buffalo, has previously kept much of the reasoning behind his exit from Minnesota private, but in a recent interview, he provided more insight into the pivotal decision.
Diggs’ trade to the Bills came as a surprise to many, given his key role in Minnesota’s offense. However, it was clear that tensions had been building between Diggs and the Vikings in the months leading up to the trade. His cryptic tweets and visible frustration during games hinted at underlying issues that fans and analysts speculated about. Now, Diggs has explained that a combination of factors led him to believe his time in Minnesota had run its course.
One of the main reasons Diggs cited for his departure was a growing disconnect between his vision for his career and the direction of the Vikings’ offense. Diggs, known for his explosive playmaking ability, felt that he wasn’t being utilized to his full potential in Minnesota’s run-heavy scheme. Under head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, the Vikings’ offense increasingly centered around the running game, led by star running back Dalvin Cook.
“I just felt like I had a different vision for myself and what I wanted my career to be,” Diggs said. “I wanted to be more involved in the passing game and to have more opportunities to make big plays. I didn’t feel like I was going to get that chance the way the offense was going in Minnesota.”
During the 2019 season, despite being one of the most talented receivers in the league, Diggs saw his targets fluctuate and often expressed frustration on the field. His connection with quarterback Kirk Cousins, while productive at times, wasn’t enough to quell his desire for a larger role in the offense.
Beyond the tactical frustrations, Diggs also admitted that part of his decision to leave was rooted in a desire for a fresh start. After five seasons with the Vikings, including a memorable playoff run in 2017 highlighted by the famous “Minneapolis Miracle,” Diggs felt it was time for a new challenge.
“I loved my time in Minnesota, but I reached a point where I felt like I needed something new,” Diggs explained. “I’m a competitor, and I want to be pushed to new limits. The situation in Minnesota just wasn’t fulfilling that anymore for me.”
The turning point came in early 2020, when Diggs’ public dissatisfaction reached its peak. After the Vikings’ divisional-round playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where the team struggled offensively, Diggs’ feelings became more visible. A few weeks later, the trade rumors started swirling, and by March, the Vikings agreed to send Diggs to Buffalo in exchange for a package of draft picks, including a first-rounder.
The trade has proven to be a win-win situation for both Diggs and the Vikings. In Buffalo, Diggs has flourished under head coach Sean McDermott and quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills’ pass-heavy offense has allowed Diggs to showcase his skills as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. In his first season with the Bills in 2020, he led the league in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535), helping Buffalo reach the AFC Championship game.
Reflecting on his move to Buffalo, Diggs said, “I felt like I found the perfect place for me. The Bills gave me the opportunity to be the player I always knew I could be. Josh [Allen] is a great quarterback, and we’ve built something special here.”
Meanwhile, the Vikings used the draft picks from the Diggs trade to select star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has become a dominant force in his own right. Jefferson’s success has softened the blow of losing Diggs for Vikings fans, as the young receiver has already broken multiple records and established himself as one of the top talents in the league.
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