On Tuesday, however, the 32-year-old controversial former Viking WR1 — and boyfriend of rap star Cardi B. — officially had felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges brought against him in a Boston courtroom.

BREAKING: New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident on Dec. 2. I was inside the courtroom before we broke the story. Full report later tonight @boston25 https://t.co/rcuTeFpr4Z

— Elly Morillo (@ellymorillotv) December 30, 2025

The police report has now been released following a denial ruling by judge Jeanmarie Carroll in an effort by the defense to seal the court documents, according to Boston.com.

Former MN Vikings WR Stefon Diggs in court-sealed trouble

Diggs’ attorney is arguing that irreparable harm will be brought to the high-profile NFL star’s reputation, should the records be released. He is also trying to push Stefon’s arraignment –which is currently scheduled for Friday — out to the spring

Meanwhile, according to Local Boston 25 News, both parties are actively trying to come to terms on a financial agreement that would help sweep the charges against Diggs under a rug. The Patriots have released a statement saying “we support Stefon” and that they are awaiting more details

DiStefano also disclosed to the court that Diggs has made a financial offer to resolve the dispute with the alleged victim in this case.

“As we speak, they’re working to come to an agreement on that,” DiStefano said.

The judge said she’d take the request under advisement and would issue a ruling “shortly.” She also agreed to consider a request to extend Diggs’ arraignment date to March.

Boston 25 News

#Patriots statement

The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. ->

— Michael Raimondi (@mraimonditv) December 30, 2025

Diggs police report released from incident

We didn’t have much to go on earlier this morning when news of the charges broke, and the judge heard arguments from Diggs defense about sealing the documents. Photos of the report have now been released on social media however, and NBC Boston has obtained the report as well from the Dedham Police Department, which also has text messages between the alleged parties.

“She was hesitant to reveal a suspect initially, but I told her that I could take a statement and we could talk about that later. She went on to say that on 12/2/2025, she was working as a private chef […] in Dedham. She said that on this date, the male that she worked for entered her unlocked bedroom. They had been having an ongoing text exchange over money owed to [her]. She said that they began to discuss this, which apparently angered the male. She alleges that the male then smacked her across the face. She said that she tried to push him away. The male then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck. She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her. She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out. She said that as she tried to pry his arm way, he tightened his grip. At that point, the male threw her onto the bed. He said something to the effect of “Thought so”. And then she told him that she still hasn’t been paid. At that point, the male said “Lies” and walked out of the room. She explained to me that he needs to sign off on payments in order for her to be paid, which is why she confronted him directly…At this point in the conversation, [victim] revealed that the male’s name was DIGGS, Stefon. DIGGS currently plays for the New England Patriots of the NFL. Due to his fame, she was very hesitant to come forward with this.“

NBC 10 Boston

Now we all know exactly why Minnesota Vikings hero, Stefon Diggs’, defense team requested that the court records be sealed, and that’s because it makes him look very bad. It sure will be interesting to see how the NFL handles this situation with the playoffs rapidly approaching.

Before Jefferson though, there was Stefon Diggs. Of course, one of the best wide receivers in franchise history. He will forever be known for the Minneapolis Miracle, but while in purple, Diggs was so much more than that.

Cardi B welcoming baby with Stefon Diggs

But one thing is for sure. Stefon Diggs knows how to make headlines. And this time around, he has a baby on the way. The mom? Rap superstar, Cardi B.

Well, yes, I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs. I’m excited, I’m happy. I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel very strong, I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work, but I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby. Me and my man, we’re very supporting of each other. We’re like in the same space in our careers. I feel like we’re really great, and one of the best at what we do. Me and him think the same way. Yeah, we’re one of the greatest, but what’s next?…We’re never like, comfortable.

Cardi B – CBS

The rapper shared the news with CBS Mornings host Gayle King. Diggs has yet to comment on the news, but this will be his first child. Cardi B has a new album, “Am I the Drama?” set to release on Friday September 19.

This summer Stefon Diggs and Cardi B went viral for their now infamous video partying on a boat. The wide receiver didn’t face any discipline for his antics from the Patriots.

Related: Another Minnesota Vikings Starter Lands on IR

Diggs is working to establish a relationship with young quarterback Drake Maye, in New England. So far this season, Stefon has hauled in 10-of-12 targets for 89 yards. This is his first season with the Patriots, after spending last year with the Houston Texans.

Diggs played five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, accruing 4,623 yards and 30 touchdowns, in that time. The four-time Pro Bowl selection, and one-time All-Pro, is now in his 11th NFL season. Diggs has one child already, with another woman. His daughter’s name is Nova, and she was born in 2016.

The flurry of moves helped shore up big holes on the offensive (G – Will Fries, C – Ryan Kelly) and defensive lines (DTs Javon Hargave and Jonathan Allen). They also brought back CB Byron Murphy Jr, S Harrison Smith and RB Aaron Jones, among a plethora of other moves.

Entering the offseason, we definitely thought that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would address the third wide receiver position, and odds are he still will. There were even a few really intriguing options on the market, such as Cooper Kupp. Ultimately, the Vikings passed up the chance at even some former players, and signed speedy receiver Rondale Moore.

Adam Thielen would have made some sense for the Vikings at wide receiver three, and certainly would’ve made fans happy. Stefon Diggs really never made sense as a fit at that same spot, and now he’s going to catch passes elsewhere after his short stop in Houston.

Minnesota Vikings miracle hero Stefon Diggs heads to New England

Before the 2020 season the Minnesota Vikings sent Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. He wanted out, and Minnesota landed the draft pick that lead to Justin Jefferson as part of the compensation. After

ESPN Sources: Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs reached agreement on a three-year, $69 million deal including $26 million guaranteed with the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/jz9R3t4MQZ

In eight games with Houston, Diggs posted 496 yards and three touchdowns. He hauled in 47 of 64 passes thrown in his direction, and he scored a rushing touchdown on three attempts. By all statistical measures, he was in line for a solid year with the Texans despite a crowded wide receiver room.

Related: Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is Playing Golf, Looking Good and Giving Out Health Updates

It took some time for Diggs to find a suitor on the open market, but the Patriots are among the most needy offensive teams in football. Last season, New England not only failed to have a 1,000 yard receiver, but tight end Hunter Henry led the offense with 674 yards.

A LIL SOMETHING SOMETHING 😮‍💨

📺: @NFLonCBS / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/eKUaaINdCs

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 29, 2024

Second year wide receiver Demario Douglas was the only wideout of note on roster before the signing, and he was a sixth round pick in 2023. Former Minnesota Vikings wideout K.J. Osborn signed with the Patriots last March, but tallied just 57 yards in seven games before being released.

Diggs’ career earnings

The three year contract for Diggs is notable. Despite being 31 years old, the Patriots are banking on a clean bill of health as he returns from his knee injury. Just $26 million of the deal is guaranteed, but the $69 million bottom line is a sizable tally.

Related: Minnesota Viking Harrison Smith Admits He’s a Big Aaron Rodgers Fan

In his one season with Houston, Diggs earned just shy of $30 million. It was the biggest single-season payday of his career, and he has banked more than $137 million as a professional in total. Both Diggs and the Patriots would love to see a resurgence to form. His 1,535 yards in 2020 with the Buffalo Bills led the entire NFL.

Former Minnesota Vikings WR Stefon Diggs is done for the season

On Tuesday, news broke that Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs tore his ACL on Sunday, during a tight 23-20 Texans victory over Minnesota’s week 9 opponent, the Indianapolis Colts. His 2024 season is done, too.

A big loss: Texans WR Stefon Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday vs. the Colts. pic.twitter.com/bPfgWUpYcO

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2024

The timing of this injury could not have been worse, for Stefon Diggs, who was nearly halfway through a one-year contract with the Texans. He will now be a free agent, coming off an injury. It’s an injury that may not be healed when the first regular season game of next season kicks off, either.

In first (possibly only) season with the Houston Texans, Diggs was having another tremendous season…

In 8 games with Houston, Stefon Diggs caught 47 passes on 64 targets, for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns. The former Minnesota Vikings 5th round pick was well on his way to the 7th-straight 1,000 yard season (every year since 2018).

Instead, Diggs falls just short of 500 yards, in 2024… and now his entire future is up in the air. This was Stef’s final play of the season. He gets up just fine, after this massive catch. Unfortunately, he went down some plays later, while running a route where he did not receive the football.

Stefon Diggs longest reception of year, was unfortunately last.

Hopefully it wasn’t his last in Houston.

Prayers 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/IeSsstwM5M

— 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 ❄️ (@TexansEra) October 29, 2024

Stefon Diggs –

Hard to truly tell from this angle, but it looks like his Right knee buckles inward as he steps right near the 40.

Primary concern for ACL injury.
Hopefully he got lucky and it’s just meniscus, but by initial video is doesn’t look good. pic.twitter.com/y56c7QCKT5

— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 27, 2024

Related: Indianapolis Colts Make Huge QB Move Prior to Game vs Minnesota Vikings

As a Viking, Diggs amassed 365 receptions for 4,623 yards and 309 touchdowns. In his career, the former Maryland Terrapin has put up 10,491 yards and 70 touchdowns, on 857 receptions. At 30-years-old, Diggs should have plenty of tread left on his NFL tires, as long as his recover and rehab process goes smoothly.

However, the first-round pick, the Minnesota Vikings received from the Bills, in this trade eventually lead to the selection of Justin Jefferson in April 2020. Although this trade ended up working out for the Vikings, the truth is finally coming out regarding Diggs and his rocky tenure here in Minnesota.

The Stefon “Diggs Experience”

Most Minnesota Vikings’ fans, and now Buffalo Bills’ fans, understand what Diggs can due to an organization. ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler gives us a glimpse of what the team had to navigate internally. The Vikings’ sources called it the “Diggs Experience”.

Coaches and scouts on the @Vikings staff during Stefon Diggs tenure often referred to his time here as the “Diggs Experience” – a roller coaster of on-field brilliance and off-field irritability that can elicit discomfort within the football building.

One #Vikings source, via… https://t.co/c6w96jGi2v pic.twitter.com/5I5wtIsLqe

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 2, 2024

Coaches and scouts on the Minnesota staff during Diggs’ tenure there often refer to the “Diggs experience,” a roller coaster of on-field brilliance and off-field irritability that can elicit discomfort within the football building.

After Minnesota drafted Diggs out of Maryland in 2015 — one of the notable fifth-round steals in modern NFL history — the team learned his competitive side could lead to frustration. The Vikings went to the playoffs three times during Diggs’ five years with the team, all under head coach (and noted Diggs fan) Mike Zimmer, and never finished with a losing record. But the very thing that made Diggs great — his belief that getting him the ball would help the team — was something Minnesota had to manage both on game day and throughout the week.

“He needs to have someone he can talk to, listening to his concerns, work through what was bothering him, recognizing him as a voice,” a Vikings source who directly observed Diggs’ tenure there said.

Multiple Vikings sources said that while the franchise considered Diggs’ desire to maximize his offensive impact to be mostly a positive, the team had to work to ensure it didn’t turn toxic within the building. Vikings brass spent significant time talking through issues with Diggs, realizing he just needed to vent sometimes.

Jeremy Fowler (ESPN)

It’s pretty mind-blowing how much baby-sitting the Minnesota Vikings’ staff had to do for Diggs at times. It sounds like the team had to go above and beyond constantly from ensuring this didn’t boil over into a toxic situation that can stain an organization.

Vikings coaches wouldn’t let Stefon Diggs sit near Kirk Cousins on the sideline

Not only was the Vikings’ staff constantly trying to keep Diggs in-check, they had controls in place on game days to give former quarterback Kirk Cousins peace on the sidelines.

Per multiple #Vikings sources, via @JFowlerESPN, “the team had to work to ensure [Stefon Diggs desire to maximize his offensive impact] didn’t turn toxic within the building” during his tenure in Minnesota 👀

At one point, “to give then-QB Kirk Cousins peace on the sideline… https://t.co/EJhMlUS6kv pic.twitter.com/KLfIpKaUjD

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 2, 2024

To give then-quarterback Kirk Cousins peace on the sideline during games, coaches once situated the Vikings receivers apart from the quarterbacks and closer to the defensive benches, an ex-Vikings source said.

“It can be a lot,” the source said. “He might throw his helmet. He will wear on your quarterback. But find me a premier receiver that’s not a diva. … And he works incredibly hard. That’s why coaches love him.”

Jeremy Fowler (ESPN)

Separating Cousins and Diggs on opposite benches on the sideline only helped so much. Cousins and Diggs were seen on camera getting into it at times several times over their tenures here in Minnesota.

Diggs to Cousins on the sideline: "Don't feel like you gotta force s— to me all right? Play your game!"

wHaT a DiVa pic.twitter.com/fW0ol8w6FG

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) January 9, 2020

So… why did Stefon Diggs want to leave Minnesota?

Over the years, it’s been widely speculated and rumored as to what was the main reason why Diggs wanted to leave Minnesota. Some of those rumors were because of former head coach Mike Zimmer, Cousins, and event the way the offense was structured by being a run-first team.

Despite these rumors, Diggs appeared on ‘The Shop‘ to confirm what the real reason why he wanted to leave Minnesota.

Former @Vikings WR Stefon Diggs reveals the truth on why he left Minnesota 👀

Diggs left because he didn’t want to be WR2 behind Adam Thielen.

“I love [Thielen] to death. I love seeing him have success, but for me, I knew I wasn’t going for it.”

🎥: NFL.Digest / IG pic.twitter.com/IqvjRxZn6d

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 1, 2024

“Damn. I need to take my own life into my own hands… I love [Thielen] to death. I love seeing him have success, but for me, I knew I wasn’t going for it.”

Stefon Diggs (The Shop)

In the video, it’s quite clear that the main reason Diggs wanted to leave Minnesota. He didn’t like being wide receiver no. 2 at times behind Adam Thielen. Who was also a dominant receiver during this time.

Related: Vikings vs Jets: Aaron Rodgers Says He’s Banged Up

Overall, Diggs had huge success here in Minnesota. He dominated games and gave us the ‘Minneapolis Miracle’. Moments that will be ingrained in the memory of Vikings’ fans for years to come. But one thing was for sure, behind closed doors Diggs was difficult to deal with for the Minnesota Vikings’ organization.

In week one, he caught two touchdowns, but only managed 33 yards on 6 receptions. Both performances were impressive, for different reasons. No doubt, QB CJ Stroud needed Diggsy against Brian Flores’ defense, which was dead set on shutting down their No. 1 guy, Nico Collins. A mission they completed pretty successfully, by the way (4 REC, 10 TGT, 84 YDS).

After the contest, Stef stood in front of Houston reporters. He wasn’t upset. Diggsy acknowledged how well his former team played. Then… in a somewhat surprise moment, he got a bit emotional. And apparently, it wasn’t the first he was up in his feelings on Sunday.

Return to Minnesota made had Stefon Diggs in his feelings

The 30-year-old NFL vet told reporters — in a low, honest tone from inside the visitor locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium — that he surprised himself with how emotional he got after walking out of the tunnel and onto the *new* turf inside his old home.

💜LOVED: Stefon Diggs admitted he got emotional before his first game back in Minnesota.

"There's a lot of love here. I'm forever thankful."

🥲🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/5oMb6OoGft

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) September 23, 2024

“I was a little emotional before the game. I didn’t really feel it during the week, but getting in the stadium obviously changed my emotions a little bit. There’s a lot of love here. I’m forever thankful. Shared some precious memories here. So it all hit me pregame a little bit… in a good place.”

Stefon Diggs on his emotions playing back in Minnesota for the first time as a visitor

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Stefon Diggs misses Minnesota, and the team that he was drafted by. He’s getting older, he’s now on his third professional stop, and knows next year could be his fourth.

Diggsy missing Minnesota Vikings?

As he said earlier in the week, the Vikings game him his chance and he is forever grateful. He proved the doubters wrong here, he established himself as one of the best young receivers in the game here.

Now, his career is in a much different spot, and being in town may have made him miss things that he probably wasn’t even thinking about. At least, it sure seemed like it in that interview. But guess what… Diggsy will be a free agent in the offseason.

Related: Stefon Diggs Talks About His Feelings for Minnesota

We’ll see what the cost is, but the Minnesota Vikings could certainly use a vet like Stef to help bring Addison along and compliment Justin Jefferson. If he’s over his self-induced target counts, he’d probably be the perfect fit.

No doubt, Justin Jefferson would be on board. Did you see their interaction after the game, Sunday, while swapping jerseys? It was a pretty electric moment, and I’m not even exaggerating.

Justin Jefferson and Stefon Diggs jersey swap 💜@JJettas2 @StefonDiggs pic.twitter.com/AI2npbFWDS

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Diggsy growing up before our eyes?

The last week has had a pretty major impact on how I view Stefon Diggs. Dare I say, now in his 10th NFL season, and on his third team, the one time Diva extraordinaire seems to be growing past that phase of his career/life. It would make sense. Hitting that 30-year-old marker can change a person, and how they view the world around them.

It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Stef is quickly realizing he is one of the older dudes in the league now. Not a lot of wide receivers he entered the NFL with are still there. It’s part of the growing up process that we all deal with, but it hits these elite athletes in waves.

Related: Cris Carter, Stephen A Smith Go at it Over Vikings’ Legitimacy

I don’t know Stef personally, but I’d say he’s dealing with that a bit this year, as he settles into a WR2 role in Houston. Returning to Minnesota, where it all began, may have triggered a piece of that he didn’t even know was there. But… we’ll see how the next 14 games go with his current team, before we get too far ahead of ourselves.

That’s because he was a problem for defensive backs pretty much the moment he stepped onto an NFL football field. As a rookie, Diggs played 13 games and started 7, racking up over 700 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns.

Over the course of five seasons, Stefon became one of the best Vikings wide receivers in team history. Diggs ranks 10th all-time in yards (4,623) and touchdowns (30). He also ranks 11th all-time in receptions (365), falling just short of Sammy White’s 393. Justin Jefferson’s ever increasing count currently sits 9th, at 400.

Stefon Diggs still has all the love for Minnesota

While the wide receiver’s exit wasn’t the smoothest, full of cryptic tweets, sideline blowups, skipped practices and infamous back-and-forths with reporters. But that doesn’t mean Diggsy has lost any love for his original NFL home.

The now 30-year-old wideout makes his return to the Twin Cities on Sunday, with his third team, the Houston Texans, for a week three matchup between two undefeated squads. Stefon met with Texans reporters on Thursday, to talk about the game, his history with the Vikings, and his love for Minnesota.

#Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs @stefondiggs excited to go back to Minnesota to play his old team #Vikings @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ccoDlpU8QE

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 19, 2024

“Ohh, they got a hell of a team. Ah, obviously they off to a hot start, they 2-0. You know the got hella good players over there. They gotta defense that’s flying around. Definitely look impressive on tape. I’m excited to go back, especially at pressure on the table, though. I’m excited to go back.”

“I had a great time there. Minnesota nice is always a thing. I’m always thankful, especially that was the team that took a chance on me, drafted me. I had a hell of a time there. The people were amazing. I look forward to going back. We won’t have that much time but to see some people I knew, some familiar faces.”

Stefon Diggs on his love for Minnesota

Stefon Diggs went on to talk about how he’s excited to see Harrison Smith, and a few other people who were with the Vikings organization, when he was. He jokes about how it’s been 10 years since he was drafted by Minnesota. He mentions coming up with Teddy Bridgewater, who’s now coaching, among others.

Diggs talks about facing the Minnesota Vikings

Then, he went into playing against Brian Flores, and how you always have to be prepared. Trust your eyes, “don’t chase ghosts” and be decisive. He talked about playing against him in Miami, and the battles they had while Diggs was in Buffalo. The entire interview is must-watch.

Related: Two Minnesota Vikings Miss Practice Thursday

Diggs also touched on Justin Jefferson, and how good he is, saying that he’s “nothing short of exceptional” and that the fact 50% of the Vikings’ offense runs through him, shows how good the highest paid not QB in the league really is. Game recognize game, as the kids would say (I don’t know if they still say that).

#Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Brian Flores aggressive and unpredictable defense 'Don't chase ghosts' @KPRC2 https://t.co/eyHIruGAwJ pic.twitter.com/ZPgX0gJM1C

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 19, 2024

“He’s a hell of a receiver, nothing short of exceptional, is what I like to say. He accounts for 50% of their offense, so that says a lot about him not just as a player, but about their offense. He’s a guy that you need to get the ball to and he’s definitely going to be a task for our defense.”

Stefon Diggs on Justin Jefferson

But now folks want to know. Are the Vikings actually good? Or is Kevin O’Connell’s team just riding an early hot streak that’s destined to freeze over like the rest of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes? A Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans might just give Vikings fans the answers they’re looking for.

Vikings rush for over 200 yards

There’s no denying the Vikings’ rushing attack is much improved over last season’s team. In 2023, Flores’ group finished with the fourth-fewest rushing yards and third-fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL.

It’s a small sample size, but so far, the Vikings have the 14th-most rushing yards in the league. They are also tied for the 19th-most rushing touchdowns. It’s still not great, but averaging 128.5 rushing yards per game is much better than the 91.3 Minnesota averaged last season.

This week’s challenge sends Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler up against a stout Texans defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards through two weeks (87.5 YPG). For last year’s Vikings, facing the Texans would have been a problem. But this is a new-look rushing attack with a 1-2 punch that keeps the legs of Jones and Chandler fresh all game long. Each have a unique burst of speed that has been tough for defenses to slow down thus far.

Related: Familiar Running Back in Line to Start for Texans vs Minnesota Vikings

We’re going out on a limb to say the Vikings top 200 yards of rushing offense on Sunday. The last time the Vikings had 200 or more rushing yards came in Week 9 of the 2021 season against Pittsburgh. But with Justin Jefferson’s and Jordan Addison’s health in question, don’t be surprised if O’Connell dials up a run-heavy game plan against Houston.

Stefon Diggs gets held to less than 50 yards, again

The Vikings shockingly traded Stefon Diggs after the 2019 season ended. Amazingly, the Minneapolis Miracle’s central figure hasn’t returned to U.S. Bank Stadium ever since. Sure, Diggs has played the Vikings since, for a game in Buffalo during the 2022 season. That time, Diggs recorded 12 receptions for 128 yards in a game the Vikings won 33-30.

But Diggs isn’t the top target on his team anymore. Now he’s the second or third option, at best, behind Nico Collins and possibly Tank Dell too. Yet, if we go by his targets so far, C.J. Stroud has attempted the second-most passes to Diggs compared to other Texans pass-catchers.

Related: Very Optimistic Justin Jefferson Injury Update via KOC and Paul Allen

The only issue is, the All-Pro receiver hasn’t been very productive. In games one and two Diggs recorded just 33 and 37 yards, respectively. Luckily, he’s gotten into the endzone both games, taming his tempter, and those of his fantasy football owners. Naturally, the former Vikings wideout will arrive at his old digs with a big chip on his shoulder.

However, the Vikings can cause some frustration by holding Diggs to fewer than 50 receiving yards across the first three games of a season for the first time since he played in Minnesota. We’ll see if Brian Flores can pull it off.

Jonathan Greenard makes a bigger impact than Danielle Hunter

When the Vikings let Danielle Hunter leave for Houston, on a two-year, $49 million contract, many thought Minnesota’s defense was doomed. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had other plans, signing Jonathan Greenard to a more affordable four-year, $76 million contract.

• Jonathan Greenard stats this season: 2 TKL, 1 Sack – 61.3 PFF grade (60th-best among edge defenders)
• Danielle Hunter stats this season: 4 TKL, 1.5 Sacks – 77.3 PFF grade (18th-best among edge defenders)

Despite the PFF grade suggesting otherwise, the Vikings have gotten similar production out of Greenard, as the Texans have Hunter. That’s before we consider how much money the Vikings saved by moving on from Hunter, though.

Related: NFL QB Rankings: Where does Sam Darnold rank?

That doesn’t mean Vikings fans won’t be watching closely, comparing the production of No. 55 (Danielle Hunter’s new number) vs No. 58 dressed in purple. Hunter gets paid roughly $5.5 million more per year. Yet we’re predicting a bigger day from Greenard against his former team. We’ll see how Danielle handles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill outside of the practice field.

Minnesota Vikings’ defense intercepts C.J. Stroud twice

There are just eight starting quarterbacks who have yet to throw an interception this season. C.J. Stroud is one of them. This shouldn’t be a surprise, considering he didn’t throw his first NFL interception until Week 6 of his rookie year. I mean, he only five INTs total, all season.

But he’s still just a 22-year-old second-year pro, and he’s never faced a defense as confusing as the one Brian Flores operates. Brock Purdy said the scheme is “crazy“. Reminder: Stroud’s offensive coordinator comes from San Francisco, which means Houston’s quarterback might not be prepared to face the Vikings’ new-look defense, either.

Related: Minnesota Vikings – Kings of the NFC North, Just Like Everyone Predicted…

Stroud has thrown more than one interception in a single game just once in his career, against Arizona in Week 11 of last season. But the Vikings enter Week 3 with the most sacks in the NFL. So if they can pressure the young QB early and often, Stroud just might make enough mistakes to change the outcome of the game.

Can the Vikings coax two or more interceptions out of one of the NFL’s least-turnover-prone quarterbacks? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Related: PFF Falling in Love with Minnesota Vikings After Week 2

Former Minnesota Vikings WR Stefon Diggs knows the game

Diggs played five years for the Minnesota Vikings. After being drafted in the fifth round out of Maryland, Stefon put up over 4,600 yards and 30 touchdowns as a Viking. All that success may forever be overshadowed by his exit, and the way he went about it.

But as much as fans in this town may dislike hearing Stefon Diggs talk about his time in Minnesota, most will appreciate his knowledge as a wide receiver historian. In a recent interview with GQ, the former Viking was asked who the WR GOAT is. His answer: The Freak, Randy Moss.

Stefon Diggs goes undercover to answer the internets questions about him 😂

( 🎥 GQ sports YT ) pic.twitter.com/WsIN8i3h8c

— te𝕏 🌎☄️💕® (@TexanicoYT) September 4, 2024

“Randy Moss. There’s no confusion. Statistically, people want to throw in Jerry Rice just because he had 30,000 yards, he eclipsed everything. He played with the best quarterbacks ever. But Randy Moss did something for the game that nobody had ever done at that point. And, to this day, they still hang their hat on “You got Mossed,” so I give him my one.”

Stefon Diggs on the best deep ball threat in NFL history (GQ)

It’s nice that Diggs gives a nod to former Vikings superstar Randy Moss. Minnesota Vikings fans have been arguing Randy Moss vs Jerry Rice for decades, now, and Diggs nails it.

Jerry Rice played in the perfect situation for a long time, in San Francisco, with two great quarterbacks. Rice’s numbers are undeniable. But Randy Moss changed the game of football forever. Nobody had seen anything like him, at the time, and we still haven’t seen another wide receiver impact the game in nearly the same way, since.

Randy Moss was must watch TV in Minnesota 🍿 pic.twitter.com/p4qTkNhVyj

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) August 6, 2024

Similarly to the Moss comment, it’s hard to argue against the selection of Carter as a representative of quality hands. Diggs played with a great pass catcher in Minnesota as well while teaming up with Adam Thielen.

“I think Cris Carter had some very exceptional hands. They played in the era right after the Stickum. And he played with gloves that probably weren’t that sticky. He was catching everything with one hand, and I think Cris Carter had some of the best hands to ever play the game.”

Stefon Diggs on the best hands of all time (GQ)

Related: Stefon Diggs Would Never Go Full Mike Zimmer on Vikings Past, “Because I’m a Professional…”

It remains to be seen how Diggs will fit in with the Houston Texans. He joins a relatively crowded wide receiver room for quarterback C.J. Stroud. There’s no reason that Diggs can’t generate a significant amount of targets however.

Those temper tantrums on the sideline, and constant beefing with those around him, on two different teams, now. Pretty much everything Stefon Diggs does exudes professionalism. Which is why nobody will be surprised to see how self-aware the 30-year-old proved to be (yet again), in a recent GQ interview.

Stefon Diggs is too much of a pro to pillow talk about the Minnesota Vikings

Unlike his former head coach, Mike Zimmer, Stefon Diggs would never air out all his dirty laundry with the Minnesota Vikings. There’s absolutely no chance a friendly reporter would drop in on his training camp and get Diggsy to pull long-dead skeletons out of his purple closet, right?

Related: Even Mike Zimmer’s Former Players Couldn’t Believe What He Said in That Interview

That’s what he claimed, in a recent interview with GQ Magazine, where the former Viking/Bill made clear he is way too much of a professional to talk about old girlfriends with new girlfriends. Wait… what?

“If I feel targeted or I feel somebody’s saying something that’s wrong, can I say something? Yes. Will I say something? No. For what? I don’t gain nothing from it. None of these people sign any check of mine.”

“There’s some things that happened in Minnesota that I never shared, that I won’t share. Because I’m a professional. I believe in professionalism. You don’t gotta talk bad about your ex-girlfriend to your new girlfriend.”

Stefon Diggs – GQ

Just Diggs being Diggs…

Look, Stefon Diggs was a really good Minnesota Vikings player. The Minneapolis Miracle is an event that will be tattooed into our brains until the day they don’t function anymore. He racked up 4,623 yards in purple, good for 10th most in franchise history. Diggs’ 30 touchdowns as a Viking are tied for 9th all-time, with Justin Jefferson.

Related: Beat Writers Not Buying What Minnesota Vikings are Selling

But there’s no doubt our 2nd favorite No. 14 of all time (behind Brad Johnson, of course) has some of the same self-evaluation issues as his former head coach in with the Vikings. He just expresses it in a much different (passive-aggressive) fashion. Much more Minnesota-like.

Seriously, though. Leave it to Stefon Diggs to turn professionalism into pillow talking between girlfriends.