The Houston Texans’ offense took a major hit last season when veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs tore his ACL against the Indianapolis Colts. Now, as Diggs continues to recover ahead of schedule, the Texans are keeping the door open for a possible return while also exploring ways to strengthen their wide receiver corps.
Diggs, who was acquired in a trade from the Buffalo Bills last offseason, made an immediate impact in Houston. The team was 5-1 when Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell were all in the lineup. However, injuries plagued the group, with Collins missing five games due to a hamstring injury and Dell suffering a season-ending knee injury.
With Diggs now a free agent after his one-year deal, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have both expressed interest in bringing him back. However, the team is also looking at other options to improve the wide receiver position.
“We loved having Stef on our team,” Ryans said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He brought energy, leadership, and playmaking ability. Losing him and Tank Dell down the stretch really hurt us, and wide receiver is definitely an area of emphasis for us.”
Despite turning 32 in November and recovering from a major injury, Diggs remains a respected leader in the locker room and a polished route runner. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has publicly voiced his support for bringing Diggs back, saying, “That’s my boy, I would love to have Stef back. I think we were just getting started.”
Diggs finished the season with 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns before his injury, showing he was on pace for a 1,000-yard season. The Texans, who went 6-2 with Diggs in the lineup, struggled in his absence, finishing 11-8 overall, including a playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
As free agency approaches, the Texans will weigh their options, with other high-profile receivers like Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel potentially available via trade. However, a return to Houston remains a possibility for Diggs, who reportedly enjoyed his time with the team.
The decision will ultimately come down to cost, role, and long-term fit, but bringing back Diggs could provide the Texans with a proven leader and reliable playmaker in a crucial position.
