A notable absence from Bills OTAs raises trade questions yet again

Stefon Diggs was absent from Buffalo Bills OTAs. After an offseason full of trade speculation, is this Diggs sending another message?

Stefon Diggs and the Bills lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Round in last year’s NFL postseason. Diggs was visibly frustrated with the team after that most recent defeat, and even questioned the organization publicly on The Shop.

"“It doesn’t make sense. I’ll rack my brain with this s**t at this point. I think it’s more execution than anything. S**t is small little pieces on why it’s not going right. We’ve got the players. We’ve got the plays. Why s**t ain’t coming together? That’s where you draw some of those questions. I never want to question who I am, I never want to question how I am. I’m giving this s**t everything I’ve got. I’m dying on the hill for that.”"

This isn’t the first time Diggs has grown unhappy with a team. His relationship with the Minnesota Vikings eventually soured just two years after making one of the more legendary plays in franchise history.

Did Stefon Diggs send a message to the Bills?

It’s important to note that OTAs are, in fact, optional. Diggs is under no obligation to show up, but it’s tough not to wonder what’s up after an offseason full of trade speculation.

In the midst of and after Buffalo’s loss to Cincinnati, Diggs did not handle himself in a professional manner.

Still, Bills coach Sean McDermott defended his star wide receiver postgame.

“That’s what makes him good, is what you saw. … It hurts and I wouldn’t want a guy that doesn’t hurt,” McDermott said.

It was a smart move by the Buffalo coach to note burn that bridge, as Diggs nearly did so all on his own. As for the player himself, perhaps he needs to point the finger inwards — Diggs has gone four straight postseason games without a touchdown catch.

Not everything is the team’s fault.