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Ravens, Bills to Battle for Stefon Diggs

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. /23/ravens-bills-to-battle-for-stefon-diggs.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 0:36 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Maryland, New York, UNITED STATES

Baltimore, MD - February 23rd, 2026 - The Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills are widely anticipated to engage in a fierce competition to acquire veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs when he hits free agency following the 2024 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the growing interest from Baltimore, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of top receiving talent.

Diggs, currently 30 years old, remains a highly productive player. In the recently completed 2024 season, he amassed 85 receptions for 1,151 yards and 8 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a consistent threat in the Bills' offense since arriving in Buffalo via trade in 2020. However, whispers of discontent and a potential departure have been circulating, making his free agency one of the most closely watched events of the upcoming offseason.

The Bills have long been linked to Diggs, originally showing interest during his time as a draft prospect in 2015. While the relationship has been fruitful for several years, recent reports suggest a possible fracture. Buffalo's offensive output, while still respectable, hasn't reached the heights expected with Diggs as a key component, leading to questions about the long-term fit and a potential willingness to let him test the open market. The financial implications of retaining Diggs, given his expected demands, are also playing a significant role in the team's considerations.

For the Baltimore Ravens, the pursuit of Diggs represents a critical need. Despite the brilliance of quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have consistently struggled to establish a reliable and consistently productive receiving corps. Jackson has often been forced to carry the passing game largely on his own, lacking a true number-one receiver capable of consistently creating separation and making contested catches. While the team has drafted receivers in recent years, none have yet emerged as the consistent threat needed to elevate the offense to an elite level.

Diggs would undoubtedly represent an immediate and significant upgrade. His route-running prowess, reliable hands, and ability to gain yards after the catch would provide Jackson with a trusted target and open up new dimensions in the Ravens' passing attack. The addition of Diggs could transform the Ravens from a run-heavy team with occasional passing sparks into a balanced and potent offensive force. Analysts predict that pairing Diggs with Jackson would instantly make the Ravens a Super Bowl contender.

The competition, however, will be intense. Beyond the Bills, several other teams are expected to express interest in Diggs' services. The Chicago Bears, with a new franchise quarterback in place, and the Kansas City Chiefs, perpetually seeking to bolster their already impressive roster, are seen as potential dark horses in the bidding war. This increased demand will likely drive up Diggs' price, potentially forcing both the Ravens and Bills to make difficult decisions about their salary cap space.

The Ravens have been relatively quiet in free agency in recent years, preferring to build through the draft. However, the opportunity to acquire a proven commodity like Diggs may prove too tempting to pass up. Team executives are reportedly already strategizing ways to create cap space and present a competitive offer. The team's ownership appears committed to providing Jackson with the tools he needs to succeed, and Diggs clearly fits that bill.

The Bills, on the other hand, face a more complex scenario. They must weigh the cost of retaining Diggs against the potential benefits of allocating those funds to other positions. A rebuild might be on the horizon for Buffalo, and retaining a veteran receiver on a large contract might not align with that long-term vision. Rumors suggest the Bills may be open to a sign-and-trade scenario, potentially recouping draft capital in exchange for allowing Diggs to move to a rival team.

This upcoming offseason promises to be a pivotal moment for both franchises. The outcome of the Diggs sweepstakes could significantly alter the power dynamics in the AFC and set the stage for a new era of competitive football. The battle between the Ravens and Bills is shaping up to be a fascinating subplot, with the future of a future Hall of Fame receiver hanging in the balance.