Bills Trade Idea: Swap Stefon Diggs For Panthers LB Brian Burns?

If Stefon Diggs wants out, could the Buffalo Bills get an impact player in return for him?

Rumors of Stefon Diggs potentially wanting out from the Buffalo Bills are back to being rampant after his interview with NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe on Friday at the Pro Bowl in Orlando. 

While Diggs didn't explicitly say that he wanted to be traded by the Bills, he didn't give a ringing endorsement when asked about his relationship with quarterback Josh Allen or returning next season. 

"It's a long offseason in front of me," Diggs said. "As far as what the future holds, I don't have any surprises for you right now."

It could mean something, it could mean nothing, but after a tumultuous season where Diggs saw his production drop off considerably, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's still in Buffalo or traded this offseason.

Brian Burns and Stefon Diggs / USA TODAY

If the Bills and Diggs decide to part ways, getting an impact player in return could be the team's best bet. Bleacher Report had five trade packages for the Buffalo receiver, one of which was Diggs being traded to the Carolina Panthers for outside linebacker Brian Burns and a swap of fifth and sixth-round picks.

"Because Carolina doesn't have a 2024 first-round pick, it would have to offer up one of its best assets in Brian Burns, who's one of the league's top pass-rushers and still in his prime at 25 years old," Bleacher Report writes. "Since Burns has an expiring contract, the Panthers can franchise tag him and then strike a deal with the Buffalo Bills, who would likely have to sign him to an extension."

The odds Buffalo lands a player of Burns' caliber through the draft or in free agency are slim to none. He had eight sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 50 tackles, including 16 for a loss, which was one shy of tying his career best. 

There's also the flexibility that comes with Burns needing to be franchise-tagged before he's traded. The Bills can work out a deal that keeps them under the cap, and Burns will have his best chance to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.

For as good as Buffalo's defense has been in the regular season, it has left a lot to be desired in the playoffs. In their last four playoff losses, the Bills have allowed an average of 33.5 points per game. Having a pass rusher like Burns will go a long way toward helping the defense sustain their regular season success in the postseason. 

While adding Burns may be the best-case scenario for the Bills in a Diggs trade, making it work will prove difficult. Buffalo is projected to be $43 million over the cap by Spotrac, and Diggs' contract doesn't make it any easier. He carries a $31 million dead cap hit if Buffalo moves on from him this offseason.

Bleacher Report also put together packages that would net the Bills first-round picks from the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, plus a second-round pick from the New York Giants.

There's also the question of if Burns would be willing to take less money to play for a contender. The Bills would also have to be willing to stomach losing Diggs and potentially receiver Gabe Davis to free agency.

No Surprises? Clarifying Stefon Diggs Trade Rumors

There's no questioning Diggs' talent and that the Bills are a better team with him. But for as good as Diggs can be when he and Allen are on the same page, that has become fewer and farther between these last two seasons. Allen and head coach Sean McDermott weren't bashful about how they felt their relationship with Diggs was at last offseason either. 

If things reach the point of no return, Buffalo can't do much better than netting Burns for Diggs, though there are significant hurdles toward potentially making a deal. Buffalo would have to be able to adequately replace Diggs as well, which may prove even tougher. 

At this point, though, it'd be no surprise in either direction if Diggs stays or goes this offseason.