How much did Stefon Diggs pay new teammate Jimmie Ward to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Houston Texans?
Though he’s set to make more money with his new contract, it appears the star wide receiver is also spending more as well, and on a jersey number no less.
The NFL and its fans are likely still processing the switch that Stefon Diggs made from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans. Not only is the pass-catcher one of the best in the business, but he’s also joining one of the best young cores in the league. Perhaps that’s why he felt the need to stamp his authority on the situation by acquiring his favored jersey number.
Stefon Diggs pays $100K to wear jersey No. 1
You read that right. The Houston Texans’ new star has seemingly decided to return to the number that he wore during his college career, after forking out approximately $100,000 for the privilege. To be clear, the four-time Pro-Bowler has worn the No. 14 jersey throughout his entire nine-year career so far. Firstly, with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015-2019 and then with the Buffalo Bills between 2020-2024. As for who he had to pay, that would be Texans safety Jimmie Ward, who has worn the number since 2023. It is understood that Ward will now return to the No. 20 jersey that he previously wore during his time with the San Francisco 49ers (2018-2020).
Diggs of course has just come from a blockbuster trade to Texas that has seen his former team - the Bills - shake things up in terms of the supporting cast that is on offer to quarterback Josh Allen, while the Texans have received a veteran wide receiver who is undoubtedly one of the best in the league today. As for Diggs himself, the 30-year-old has now got the opportunity to start a new chapter in his career with a team that is clearly on the rise, and one that apparently has no problems making him feel right at home.
Indeed, that is clearly evidenced by not just the deal he made for his jersey number, but more importantly the curious clause that the Texans inserted in his contract. To be clear, the Texans will allow Diggs to enter free agency after this season. The franchise has taken the step of striking the final three years from Diggs’ contract, essentially merging $3.5 million in guaranteed money with the approximate $19 million that he was set to receive this coming season. Of course, this does seem to suggest that the Texans will place the franchise tag on Diggs in the near future, but you didn’t hear that from us.