FRISCO - Most observers of the Dallas Cowboys' so-far offseason recognize that the signing, re-signing or trading for a total of 20 players represents a major step up from a year, ago, when in the launching of the "Blow It Up'' plan, Jerry Jones' front office had acquired virtually no "outside'' free agents.
This represents a step forward.
But those same observers are likely in agreement that Dallas' offseason is at least one major move away at a particular position.
And that's where Stefon Diggs comes in.
When with the Buffalo Bills over the course of four seasons previous to 2024, Diggs was a bank-on-it 1,000-yard receiver. In just that amount of time, he became the franchise's fourth-leading receiver all time.
Diggs was however traded to the Houston Texans in the offseason, in large part because both parties were a bit tired of each other.
There are rumors that he wants to reunite with the Bills.
There is also buzz about how Dallas - with $42 million in cap room, with a need alongside CeeDee Lamb and with Stefon's younger brother Trevon already playing here - can be a match.
But for now? Diggs, who was able to play in just eight games in 2024 before tearing his ACL on Oct 27 (but hauling in 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns during that time, good for seventh place in the NFL in catches at the time of the injury), is plotting his return into the spotlight.
And Diggs, now a free agent, has started that process with a free agency visit to the Bills' AFC East rival the New England Patriots.
Diggs, 31, has talent and he has baggage. He was a clutch-time star before he engineered his way into departing the Minnesota Vikings for Buffalo. Diggs was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls representing Buffalo, including a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2020, where he led the league with 127 receptions and 1,535 yards.
But there was also a great deal of drama in his time in Buffalo ... enough of it that is can shadow the fact that he has produced 10,491 yards and 70 touchdowns in his decade in the NFL.
Diggs' health is another concern as he is just five months removed from ACL reconstruction surgery, leading to some speculation that he may not be ready for Week 1.
And as always, there is the salary. As much as QB Dak Prescott could use another top-notch weapon, we just saw Dallas bow out of the Cooper Kupp sweepstakes in large part because he took a $15 million per year price tag and signed with Seattle.
Some projections have Diggs having a similar market value. ... though the longer he sits on the shelf, the more reasonable his price might become.
Maybe the Patriots end this Cowboys Nation dream before it even starts. But this we know: Stefon Diggs' search for a job has begun.
