Why the Vikings shouldn’t have trouble replacing Stefon Diggs
By Dustin Baker
Diggs was not otherworldly
For the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs was very, very good. Diggs had great moments. He was not elite.
It can also be true that Diggs blossoms into a conversation with elite wide receivers in the Buffalo years. That’s speculatory, but it could happen. This would rely on logic that suggests Bills quarterback Josh Allen rapidly matures into a markedly more accurate passer. To do so would be a quick maturity, but again, it could happen.
Yet, the chances of both of these possibilities coming to fruition simultaneously are lukewarm, at best.
Why? Because Diggs’ statistical production through his first 70 games is on par with good wide receivers, not great wide receivers. Thru 70 games, Diggs has the following numbers to his name:
- 365 receptions
- 4,623 receiving yards
- 30 touchdowns
Here are some of his closest historical comparables:
- Allen Robinson: 340 receptions, 4,625 receiving yards, 33 touchdowns
- Keyshawn Johnson: 343 receptions, 4,602 receiving yards, 33 touchdowns
- Hakeem Nicks: 311 receptions, 4,622 receiving yards, 27 touchdowns
- Dwayne Bowe: 330 receptions 4,587 receiving yards, 35 touchdowns
- Anthony Carter: 245 receptions, 4,525 receiving yards, 32 touchdowns
- Darrell Jackson: 301 receptions, 4,511 receiving yards, 31 touchdowns
This is good company, but it’s not irreplaceable company.