Why Giants Weren't Involved in Stefon Diggs Trade

Any dreams of the Giants acquiring receiver Stefon Diggs from Buffalo went out the window Wednesday when the Bills traded him to Houston. But in reality, Diggs was never an option for the Giants. Here's why.

20. Stefon Diggs Position: WR. Years: 2020-23 Achievements: Has had the greatest four-year run at / Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and

Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, long rumored to be a potential trade candidate, has a new home, and no, it's not with the New York Giants.

Amid some forehead-slapping by Giants fans who may have wanted Diggs for his difference-making potential, the truth is the Giants were never going to be involved in any serious talks for Diggs for several reasons, most of all the cost factor in which the 31-year-old Diggs has an $18.5 million guaranteed salary this year that all but would have assured the Giants, who have $7,474,428 of total cap space left, would have had to do some cap gymnastics to fit the receiver in.

It made no sense, despite Diggs's game-breaking potential. The Giants are looking at a wide receiver draft class loaded with potential Diggs-like difference makers (minus the cost and the finicky temperament).

And with the Giants sitting sixth in the draft order, if they don't invest in trading up for a quarterback, they are all but certain to be in a position to have their pick of at least two of the top three receivers in this class: Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr, Washington's Rome Odunze, and LSU's Malik Nabers.

The Giants have some glaring offensive needs to fortify via this year's draft. Quarterback is one, given incumbent Daniel Jones's injury history and the concerns it brings.

A legitimate X-receiver is another—adding a true X to a room with Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and Wan'Dale Robinson will elevate that position group to a whole new level.

Solid developmental offensive linemen, particularly tackles, and a pass-catching tight end are two lesser but important needs. A case could also be made for a power running back.

And we haven't even touched on the defensive needs, which include cornerback and defensive line depth.

The bottom line is that Diggs is more of a "finishing" piece for a solid roster, much like what the Texans have built. The Giants have a long way to go before they get to that point in their rebuild, which is why they're better off drafting to fill some of their missing cornerstone needs than they would be if they went for the quick fix.

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