Now with the NFL season over, sights turn to the franchise tag period entering free agency.
All 32 NFL teams could elect to slap a player with a one-year deal to keep them around for 2025 season. The tag, depending on the position and type of use, could be well over the asking price of what the player is worth, but it could allow the two sides to work out a long-term deal ahead of the regular season.
The Houston Texans have several players up for a new deal, but two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs is the only one worth considering the usage of the tag. His rapport with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud was evident among the eight games he played. Players in the locker room have expressed their opinion on brining him back for 2025.
So, will the Texans listen?
It seems unlikely, especially when breaking down all the variables.
Diggs, who was traded to Houston last April from Buffalo, seemed destined to be a one-and-done with the AFC South franchise after the Texans restructured his previous contract into a one-year deal. Houston was trying to go all-in around Stroud for Year 2, but the money saved was used as part of the contract to shore up Nico Collins’ eventual contract extension.
Plans haven’t changed much since the divisional round loss against Kansas City. The Texans plan on engaging in talks with all free agents, though the priority might have switched.
Diggs, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, might favor a return given his relationship with Stroud and the loss of Tank Dell. Before the injury, the 31-year-old was on pace for another 100-catch season and over 1,000 receiving yards as the No. 2.
The Texans likely would only bring back Diggs for one more year while trying to navigate through the draft for a long-term solution in the slot spot.
If Diggs were to play on the franchise tag, he’d earn just under $26 million for next season.
Diggs was making less than $23 million coming off a Pro Bowl season last year as the No. 2 target. The tag alone is more than what Collins will make in 2025 on his new $24.5 million annual salary.
Given that Diggs is 31 and coming off a significant injury that could sideline him for a majority of the offseason, it would be foolish for Houston to entertain the idea. That doesn’t mean the Texans shouldn’t engage in talks of a new deal.
Perhaps a two-year, $28 million contract with a $13 million annual salary would suffice both sides if the four-time Pro Bowler is looking for a multi-year contract. If not, a one-year $15 million offer should be the last pull to land Diggs.
If Houston lets Diggs walk, it’ll have options on a more team-friendly deal, but the franchise tag should be off the table. The same goes for defensive back Eric Murray and defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr.