In the world of NFL contracts, details can often be obscured by sensational headlines. The recent deal signed by wide receiver Stefon Diggs was initially reported as a three-year, $69 million contract with $26 million guaranteed—but the reality tells a different story.

Here’s the Breakdown:

1. Signing Bonus: $12 million.

2. 2025 Workout Bonus: $200,000.

3. 2025 Base Salary: $2.9 million, fully guaranteed.

4. 2025 Per-Game Roster Bonus: Up to $3.4 million total.

5. 2026 Workout Bonus: $200,000.

6. 2026 Base Salary: $20.6 million, with $1.7 million fully guaranteed. An additional $6 million is guaranteed for injury at signing and becomes fully guaranteed in March 2026.

7. 2026 Per-Game Roster Bonus: Up to $1.7 million total.

8. 2027 Roster Bonus: $200,000.

9. 2027 Base Salary: $20.6 million.

10. 2027 Per-Game Roster Bonus: Up to $1.7 million total.

Despite the initial reports, the true base value of Diggs' contract sits at $63.5 million, not the flashy $69 million that was suggested. To reach that lofty figure, Diggs would need to consistently make the Pro Bowl and hit substantial performance targets, including 100 catches and 1,300 receiving yards in 2025.

The Guarantees Explained:

The specifics of the guarantees also diverge from early reports. Rather than the advertised $26 million guaranteed at signing, Diggs’ contract actually offers a guarantee of $16.6 million up front, with a total of $22.6 million potentially bundled in through additional bonuses.

The nuances in the contract have caused much discussion, particularly given Diggs’ previous injury—a torn ACL last season. Each game missed could cost him $200,000 due to the structure of his per-game roster bonuses, emphasizing the risk players take.

This deal ultimately presents itself as a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the possibility of rising to $23 million if he meets all incentives in 2025. However, the Buffalo Bills retain the ability to walk away from the agreement by next March, with only a modest $1.7 million owed for 2026 after a potential release.

Conclusion:

While NFL contracts can seem complicated, understanding the real details behind them is crucial. The Stefon Diggs deal showcases how metrics and incentives are often manipulated for a more appealing presentation. As fans and analysts, it’s essential to look beyond the headlines to grasp the true implications of such agreements, especially for a player of Diggs’ caliber in today’s competitive environment.