The 2025 NFL free agency period officially begins on Wednesday, March 12, meaning the Houston Texans have three weeks to decide what they'll do with their pending free agents.
Texans fans would be sad to see certain players leave town next month, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The veteran playmaker is one of this year's top free-agent wideouts, meaning he'll likely command quite a bit of attention once the market opens. With the Texans being strapped for cash, re-signing Diggs could be difficult.
On Wednesday, Houston general manager Nick Caserio discussed Diggs' potential future with the franchise.
Texans News: GM Nick Caserio Leaves Door Open for Stefon Diggs Return
In Wednesday morning's interview with SportsRadio 610, Caserio revealed that he's left the door open for Diggs to return to the Texans in free agency.
"I had a good relationship with (Diggs) and his representation. We enjoyed having Stef in the building, so the door is always open," Caserio said. "We never rule anything out, so we're going to be open-minded... Things will probably pick up over the next few weeks."
Nick Caserio on Stefon Diggs on @SportsRadio610
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) February 19, 2025
“Had a good relationship with Stef & his representation. We enjoyed having Stef in the building. The door is always open… we never rule anything out.” pic.twitter.com/JInfZj2AFY
According to Spotrac, Diggs' current projected market value sits at $13.5 million annually. Although that's well worth the price for a playmaker of his caliber it's a number the Texans may not be able to afford considering how they only have $1.6 million to spend (barring any releases/contract restructures).
Diggs, 31, spent nine seasons playing for the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, racking up 810 receptions for 9,995 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns while making four Pro Bowl appearances. The former Maryland WR's time with the Bills came to an end last offseason when he — along with two draft picks — was traded to the Texans in exchange for a 2025 second-rounder that originally belonged to the Vikings.
Diggs' run with the Texans started on the right foot as he posted 47 catches for 481 yards and three TDs in his first eight games. He was on pace for a 100-1,054-6 stat line in a 17-game schedule until he tore his ACL when facing the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8, immediately ending his campaign.
His absence caused the Texans to take a massive step back as they went from 6-2 when he was healthy to a 5-6 record without him (including the playoffs).
Time will tell if the Texans can convince Diggs to return to the fold next season. As much as he seemingly enjoyed his time in Houston, money talks in the NFL and it wouldn't be surprising if a WR-needy team is willing to overpay for the former All-Pro pass-catcher.
Other teams can start negotiating with Diggs when the free agent tampering period begins on Monday, March 10.