Josh Allen’s dad did not surprise Stefon Diggs trade became ‘positive’ for Bills

Josh Allen’s father isn’t surprised that his son and the powerhouse Bills haven’t missed a beat without Stefon Diggs.

The Allen-Diggs connection was pivotal to restoring the Bills from an also-ran into an annual Super Bowl threat over the last few years, but Diggs still was traded to the Texans in March.

The Bills kept rolling even without an established No. 1 receiver early in the season — before general manager Brandon Beane traded for Amari Cooper — because Allen is playing at an MVP-caliber level.

“Well, I think it was a positive,” Joel Allen, Josh’s father, told The Post’s Steve Serby about trading Diggs.

“Just simply because it didn’t seem like he wanted to be there anymore, and I think [GM Brandon] Beane and [head coach Sean] McDermott are trying to create the culture where we try to develop the chemistry on and off the field, and if you can’t have it with every player, then I think they probably need to think about going elsewhere because we’re building something special in western New York, as they say, and everybody’s got to be bought in.”

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, right, and Stefon Diggs celebrate after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, right, and Stefon Diggs celebrate after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.AP

Some analysts expected the Bills to take a step back after an offseason salary-cap purge forced the exit of several key building blocks, including Diggs.

But the Bills (10-3) already are AFC East champions, are the only team to beat the defending two-time Super Bowl champion Chiefs (12-1) and are about to meet the Lions in a possible Super Bowl preview.

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks toward the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Diggs is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL before he heads to free agency.

He had 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.

The Bills’ 2022 season ended with Diggs yelling at Allen on the sidelines during a playoff loss.

A year’s worth of speculation that their relationship had soured followed, including Allen reportedly snapping at Diggs after a Week 1 game in 2023.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) waves at fans as he walks to the locker room following a victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) waves at fans as he walks to the locker room following a victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The roller-coaster ended when Diggs was traded less than 24 hours after replying to a fan who said Diggs wasn’t essential to Allen’s success with the Bills.

“You sure?” Diggs asked.

 

Since absence makes the heart grow fonder, it seems Diggs’ appreciation for Allen is growing from Houston.

In another social media post, Diggs replied to a fan asking if Allen should win MVP this season by saying “he should.”

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