The Evolution of Stefon Diggs: From 5th Round Pick to $50M NFL Pick

Career Timeline: From Maryland to the NFL

Stefon Diggs’ football journey has taken him from college stardom to becoming one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive wide receivers. His career has been marked by significant transitions between teams, each representing a new chapter in his development as a player.

College Years at Maryland (2012-2014)

Diggs began his collegiate career at the University of Maryland in 2012, where he quickly established himself as a standout performer. As a true freshman, he recorded 54 receptions for 848 yards and 6 touchdowns. Despite battling injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons, Diggs still managed to compile impressive numbers, finishing his Maryland career with 150 receptions, 2,227 yards, and 14 touchdowns over three seasons before declaring for the NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings (2015-2019)

The Minnesota Vikings selected Diggs in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Despite his late-round selection, Diggs quickly proved his worth, recording 52 receptions for 720 yards and 4 touchdowns in his rookie season despite being inactive for the first three games. His time with the Vikings was highlighted by the famous “Minneapolis Miracle” in the 2017 playoffs, when he caught a 61-yard touchdown pass as time expired to defeat the New Orleans Saints.

During his five seasons in Minnesota, Diggs established himself as a reliable target, forming an effective receiving duo with Adam Thielen. By 2018, he recorded his first 1,000-yard season with 102 receptions for 1,021 yards and 9 touchdowns. In July 2018, the Vikings signed Diggs to a five-year, $72 million contract extension, demonstrating their belief in his abilities.

Buffalo Bills (2020-2023)

On March 20, 2020, the Vikings traded Diggs and a seventh-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for first, fifth, and sixth-round picks in the 2020 NFL draft, plus a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft. The move to Buffalo proved transformative for Diggs’ career. In his first season with the Bills, he led the NFL with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors.

Diggs continued his excellence in Buffalo, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his four seasons with the team. He developed a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 catches with a new franchise. During his time with the Bills, Diggs earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2020-2023) and was named Second-Team All-Pro in 2022.

Houston Texans (2024)

On April 3, 2024, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans along with a sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft and a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft. His time with the Texans was unfortunately cut short when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, ending his 2024 season after just eight games.

New England Patriots (2025-Present)

On March 28, 2025, Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the New England Patriots, beginning a new chapter in his career. He joined a Patriots team looking to rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel, providing a veteran presence and reliable target for the offense.

Family: The Diggs Brothers in the NFL

Football excellence runs in the Diggs family, with Stefon’s younger brother Trevon also making a significant impact in the NFL.

Trevon Diggs’ NFL Career

Trevon Diggs, born September 20, 1998, followed in his older brother’s footsteps by pursuing a career in professional football. Unlike Stefon, who played wide receiver at Maryland, Trevon attended the University of Alabama, where he developed into an elite cornerback under coach Nick Saban’s guidance.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Trevon in the second round (51st overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier ball-hawking cornerbacks. In 2021, his second NFL season, Trevon led the league with 11 interceptions, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors. His playmaking ability and instincts have made him one of the most feared defensive backs in the NFL.

Brotherhood and Rivalry

The Diggs brothers share a close bond despite playing on different teams and on opposite sides of the ball. Their matchups when the Cowboys face Stefon’s teams have become highly anticipated events, showcasing the unique dynamic of brothers competing at the highest level of professional football. Both have spoken about how their father’s passing when they were young strengthened their bond, with Stefon taking on a more significant mentorship role for his younger siblings.

Financial Success: Net Worth and Contracts

Stefon Diggs has translated his on-field success into significant financial rewards throughout his NFL career.

$50 Million Net Worth

Through his NFL contracts, endorsements, and business ventures, Diggs has accumulated an estimated net worth of approximately $50 million. This impressive figure reflects not only his value as an elite NFL wide receiver but also his marketability off the field. Diggs has secured endorsement deals with brands including Adidas, Pepsi, and Snickers, further enhancing his financial portfolio.

Contract Details and Career Earnings

Diggs’ NFL earnings have grown substantially throughout his career:

Diggs’ current contract with the New England Patriots represents his market value as an established elite receiver. The three-year, $63.5 million deal includes approximately $40 million in guaranteed money, providing financial security while still allowing him to potentially negotiate another contract before his career ends.

Financial Management and Investments

Beyond his NFL earnings, Diggs has shown business acumen through various investments and entrepreneurial ventures. He has invested in real estate and launched his own merchandise line, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to building long-term wealth beyond his playing career.

Personal Life: Beyond the Football Field

While Stefon Diggs maintains a relatively private personal life, certain aspects have garnered public attention over the years.

Family and Children

Diggs has one daughter, though he typically keeps details about his family life private. As a father, he has spoken about the importance of family and how parenthood has given him additional motivation in his professional career. Despite rumors and speculation about additional children, Diggs has only publicly confirmed having one daughter.

The Cardi B Connection

In 2024, Diggs became the subject of widespread media attention when rumors emerged about a potential relationship with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B. The speculation intensified in May 2024 when a video of Diggs on a yacht with women went viral, sparking an investigation by the Patriots organization.

On June 1, 2025, Cardi B confirmed their relationship through an Instagram post featuring photos of them together. The relationship became even more public when, on September 17, 2025, Cardi B announced she was pregnant with her fourth child and her first with Diggs. This high-profile relationship has further elevated Diggs’ celebrity status beyond football circles.

Media Appearances and Personality

Diggs has shown his personality outside of football through various media appearances. In December 2024, he appeared as himself in the “American Dad!” episode “Nasty Christmas,” a show he has been a longtime fan of. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@stefondiggs), provides fans with glimpses into his personal interests, fashion sense, and off-field activities.

Health and Performance: Stats and Injuries

Throughout his career, Stefon Diggs has established himself as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers, though like many players, he has faced injury challenges.

Notable Injuries

Diggs has generally been durable throughout his NFL career, but has faced several significant injuries:

The ACL injury in 2024 represented the most serious setback of Diggs’ professional career, requiring extensive rehabilitation before his return with the New England Patriots in 2025.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Diggs’ statistical production has been consistently impressive throughout his career:

2020: All-Pro Season with Buffalo

Diggs’ 2020 season with the Buffalo Bills stands as his career pinnacle to date. In his first year with the team, he led the NFL in both receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535), earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. This remarkable season validated the Bills’ decision to trade for him and established Diggs as one of the league’s elite receivers.

During this breakout campaign, Diggs set numerous records, including becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 catches with a new franchise. He also broke Eric Moulds’ Bills franchise record for receiving yards in a single season. His chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen was immediate and productive, helping transform the Bills’ offense into one of the league’s most potent units.

Career Accolades

Throughout his NFL journey, Diggs has accumulated an impressive list of honors:

Conclusion: Stefon Diggs’ Legacy and Future

Stefon Diggs has established himself as one of the most productive and reliable wide receivers of his generation. From his humble beginnings as a fifth-round draft pick to becoming an NFL receiving leader and multi-time Pro Bowler, Diggs has consistently exceeded expectations throughout his career.

His journey across multiple NFL franchises demonstrates his adaptability and consistent excellence regardless of the system or quarterback. The “Minneapolis Miracle” will forever be etched in NFL playoff history, while his record-breaking season with Buffalo in 2020 cemented his status among the league’s elite receivers.

Now with the New England Patriots, Diggs continues to write new chapters in his football story. His combination of precise route running, exceptional hands, and competitive fire makes him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues his NFL career, Diggs’ legacy as one of the most complete receivers of his era continues to grow, with potential Hall of Fame consideration if he maintains his high level of production in the coming years.