Episode Overview

Podcast: Buffalo Plus – A Buffalo Bills Podcast
Episode: JOSH ALLEN on DIGGS DEPARTURE and BEANE'S plan to REPLACE him
Date: April 19, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

This episode dives deep into the aftermath of the Bills trading star wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The team discusses Josh Allen’s long-anticipated comments on Diggs’ departure, the dynamic inside the locker room now, and GM Brandon Beane’s public strategy on replacing Diggs. There's a strong focus on leadership transition, wide receiver room concerns, and expectations heading into the NFL Draft.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Allen Speaks on Diggs Departure and His Own Leadership (01:06–10:44)

• Allen's Public Comments:

  • Allen appeared relaxed, sticking to the high road and delivering safe, respectful comments.
  • He repeatedly highlighted how much Diggs helped him grow as a quarterback.
  • "My lasting memory of Steph will be the receiver that helped me become the quarterback that I am today. ... Always have a spot in my heart for him and I always love that guy like a brother and ... wish him nothing but the best." – Josh Allen (07:18)
  • Allen confirmed he had texted Diggs and received a reply, but hosts noted the lack of depth in their public farewell.

• Leadership Transition:

  • Allen acknowledged the challenge of stepping up as multiple team leaders have left.
  • "With like five captains now gone off of this team, he has now the opportunity to grow as a leader." – Jenna (09:56)
  • Discussion on what it means for Allen to be more than “just one of the guys” and to perhaps become a more demanding leader.
  • Reference to Tom Brady-type accountability being an aspiration for Allen’s style (12:14).

• Underlying Tension with Diggs:

  • The hosts note no one denied media rumors of a rift with Diggs; their silence suggested substance to the reports.
  • "What they didn't say to me spoke a little loudly." – Dan Fates (05:38)

Notable Quotes

• "He just told the public version of what he wanted the story to be." – Mike Catalana (01:47)
• "He was earnest." – Jenna Cottrell (02:25)
• "As much as we want to know the truth... it's a relationship between two people that is none of anybody else's business to a point." – Mike Catalana (02:57)
• "What they didn't say to me spoke a little loudly." – Dan Fates (05:38)

2. Beane’s Plan: Life After Diggs and Wide Receiver Strategy (10:44–25:10)

• Wide Receiver Room Evaluation:

  • The current group is considered bottom five in the league ("not good at the moment").
  • Khalil Shakir is liked, but questioned as to whether he can step into a larger role without Diggs drawing coverage.
  • "I've been impressed with what Khalil Shakira has done, but will that change when defenses change... if there's another guy that's not there to decoy?" – Jenna (19:33)
  • Chiefs’ and Texans’ WR-by-committee models are discussed, but skepticism remains about the Bills matching those results sans a true #1.

• Beane’s Comments on WR1 Need (15:52–16:51):

  • "No, you need… what you need are guys in this offense that are smart, versatile, selfless, and can make the plays their skill set allows them to."
  • Subtle shade implied towards Diggs regarding selflessness, although hosts note it may be more a statement of organizational preference going forward.

• Draft Strategy Talk:

  • Bills have more first-round grades on prospects than usual, but not 28 (their pick), suggesting potential to move up/down.
  • The crucial need at receiver makes waiting until pick 60 risky.
  • On whether to “just take your guy” at 28 even if graded as 2nd round: "If those are your guys, take them there. Because… you don't want to get caught with not even filling your need.” – Dan (23:03–24:27)

Notable Quotes

• "We joke around about that. A lot of teams need a wide receiver. It's not really a secret." – Dan Fates (15:18)
• "You can hope in one hand and shit in another and see which one fills up first." – Dan Fates, on comparing Kincaid to Travis Kelce (27:22)
• "Development in progress isn't always linear. ... That's not how pro sports work." – Dan Fates (29:47)

3. Can Dalton Kincaid be the #1 Target? (25:12–31:19)

• Tight End as Top Target?

  • Hosts express skepticism on projecting last year’s output from Dalton Kincaid into a “#1 pass-catcher” role.
  • NFL history shows few TEs can command 1,000-yard seasons (Travis Kelce is the outlier, not the rule).
  • Emphasis on the physical demands and rarity of a tight end being a true primary weapon.

• Replacing Diggs' Production Is Not Simple:

  • The cumulative effect of multiple “committee” contributions may not replicate Diggs’ impact.
  • “You can’t just find that [1,000-yard seasons] on trees.” – Jenna (29:39)

• Statistical Perspective:

  • Kincaid had 73 catches for 673 yards in 2023; hosts caution against linear projection.

4. The Draft: Trading Up/Down, Second Round Value & WR Prospects (31:19–37:54)

• Value of Picks:

  • Beane discusses (at Mike’s prompting) how future picks are valued rounds lower—second round next year treated as a third now.
  • Bills have two second-rounders next year (including Minnesota's), giving them future trade flexibility.

• Potential to Trade Up:

  • The team debates how high the Bills might go to snag a receiver and how next year’s picks could facilitate that.
  • "That's his ace up his sleeve." – Dan, on having Minnesota’s second-rounder (37:27)

• Top 30 Visits:

  • Bills have used all 30 of their pre-draft visits, board is "pretty much set."

Additional Notes & Memorable Moments

• The tone is candid, conversational, and laced with playful ribbing among hosts, making for an engaging listen.
• Running gag: Jenna frequently gets cut off (“All the comments are gonna go crazy … Let Jenna talk!” – Dan, 19:23).
• Allen’s offseason mood highlighted: “He’s lit up when you asked him about [playing golf with Tiger Woods].” – Mike (14:08)
• Playful speculation on pregame moments when the Bills face Diggs and Houston this upcoming season (08:33–09:12).
• Persistent, good-natured skepticism about the team’s young receiving corps and how transformational a rookie pick might be.
• Ongoing acknowledgment that the big theme now is truly “moving on”—for Allen, for the organization, and for fans.
• Trivia on WR ages, birthdays, and playful acknowledgment if they’re wrong on breakout players like Justin Shorter (20:32–21:16).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:06 – Reaction to hearing Josh Allen on Diggs trade
• 02:25 – Allen’s earnestness and thankfulness toward Diggs
• 05:38 – Media rift speculation and what remains unspoken
• 07:18 – Allen's quote about Diggs helping his career
• 09:56 – Allen recognizes leadership vacuum and growth opportunity
• 13:44 – Allen gives health update on his shoulder
• 15:52–16:51 – Brandon Beane on not needing a “true #1” receiver
• 19:33 – Jenna’s point on defenses adjusting without Diggs
• 23:03–24:27 – “Take your guy” draft strategy discussion
• 27:22 – Dan’s “hope in one hand...” quote on Kincaid
• 29:39 – Jenna on how hard it is to replace Diggs’ production
• 31:19–31:44 – Reaffirmation that the WR need is "glaring"
• 36:01–36:54 – Value assessment of trading future draft picks
• 37:27 – Dan on Minnesota’s second-round pick as trade ammo

Conclusion

This episode delivers a comprehensive, no-holds-barred breakdown of Josh Allen’s reaction to Diggs’ departure and the Bills’ wide receiver dilemma. The hosts combine insider insight with a relatable fan’s perspective, exploring what it will take for Allen to step up as the franchise centerpiece and what Beane must do to keep Buffalo’s offense competitive in the wake of losing a top weapon. Draft strategy and leadership are the twin themes as the team—and its supporters—look ahead toward a pivotal season.