Stefon Diggs doesn’t currently have a job, but he doesn’t lack confidence.
Before training camp starts later this month, the free agent wide receiver said last week on his YouTube channel that he believes he is the top WR2 in the NFL.
“My opinion, I can compete with anybody,” Diggs said. “But take them [top wide receivers] as your 1s, right? You can’t name a number 2 better than me.”
On the plus side, the 32-year-old isn’t making the case that he’s an All-Pro WR1 at this stage of his career. He is underestimating some of the better No. 2s like Tee Higgins, George Pickens, Davante Adams, Jameson Williams, et al.
“There’s no No. 2 in a team — let’s probably give people credit and just say, ‘OK, you want to take No. 1 away,'” he said. “Name your No. 2 receiver right now and tell me how much he makes, and then my last question is: Is he better than me?”
Diggs had 1,013 yards, 4 TDs and 85 catches in 17 games with New England last season. The Pats moved this offseason, trading for WR1 AJ Brown and adding Romeo Doubs in free agency.
Diggs bounced back from a disappointing 8-game 2024 season in Houston and proved he can still play. His 0.16 EPA per route run was third-best among WRs last year, trailing only Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, per Next Generation Stats (min. 200 routes). His 16.1 catches were second (Nacua) and his 259 receiving yards were fourth (Nacua, JSN, Pickens).
Diggs is one of several free agents still looking for a job as we head into camp. The NFL helped clear the way for the job after determining the veteran will not face any discipline after being found not guilty of assault.
Ultimately, many veterans with Diggs’ skill set will find a home before or early in the season, when injuries crop up or youngsters prove unready.