Adding Stefon Diggs cements Texans as true championship contenders

Since most of the aftermath of the Stefon Diggs trade has been about the future of Josh Allen and the Bills, the other story is what this signifies for C.J. Stroud and the Texans. 

Even taking into account having J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson in their prime, this now has to be the most excited a Texans fan has ever been in an offseason. 

On the heels of lightning up the league with a rookie sensation at quarterback, Houston sent a big message to the rest of the NFL by adding a player of the caliber of Diggs. It's clear the Texans are serious about winning right now. 

Diggs, 30, who just posted his sixth straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, now joins Nico Collins, fresh off a career-high of 1,297 yards himself, and Tank Dell to form a very potent offense in Houston. Stroud's job will be even easier with so many weapons around him. 

And while bringing in Diggs would be worth any potential risk for a franchise ready to win at a high level, the Texans managed to pull the deal off without giving up any 2024 draft capital. 

Houston only had to send a 2025 second-round pick, one they obtained via the Minnesota Vikings, to Buffalo for Diggs. For a cherry on top, the Texans also landed a couple late-round picks — a 2024 sixth-round and 2025 fifth-round — to sweeten the deal and provide some extra future security. 

But Houston isn't concerned about the future, they are focused on winning big right now. This is a big deal for a franchise that has yet to reach an AFC Championship game since its NFL inception in 2002. And all signs point to Diggs delivering exactly what they are banking on. Diggs caught 107 balls for 1,183 yards and scored eight touchdowns last season. 

Trading for Diggs is a difference making type of move by itself, but it's far from the only reason to buy Houston as a true contender in 2024. Diggs is just one of several stars the Texans have acquired. 

In addition to the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, Houston has also added running back Joe Mixon and defensive end Danielle Hunter so far this offseason. 

One splash move can spark excitement, but several can completely change a culture of a franchise. Houston should be poised to make a run and be a real threat to, not only repeat as AFC South champions, but win the conference title. Remember, these moves are happening after a season Houston finished 10-7 with the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.  

Assuming Stroud continues to build on the success of his rookie year - he threw for 4,108 yards and connected on 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions — the Texans now have a real championship window for years to come.