“Name your no. 2”: Stefon Diggs’ challenge reveals uncomfortable truth about Bengals’ $115M Tee Higgins

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NFL, American Football Herren, USA AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots Jan 11, 2026 Foxborough, MA, USA New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs 8 reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough Gillette Stadium MA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEricxCanhax 20260111_bgd_qe2_159
Stefon Diggs may still be looking for a team, but he isn't backing away from bold opinions. Ahead of training camp, the veteran wide receiver argued that no number 2 receiver in the NFL is better than him, a claim that quickly invited comparisons across the league.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Diggs said he still believes he can outperform any secondary receiver despite entering free agency for the first time in years. He even challenged fans to compare him with the league's highest-paid No. 2 options.
"My opinion, I can compete with anybody. But take those [top wide receivers] as your 1s, right? You can't name a No. 2 better than me,” Diggs said.
Diggs framed his argument around the league's No. 2 receivers, inviting comparisons with players such as Tee Higgins, George Pickens, Davante Adams, and Jameson Williams.

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 14:New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs 8 leaves the field following the game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 14 Patriots at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250914074
"There's not a No. 2 on a team -- let's presumably give people the credit and just say, 'OK, you want to take the No. 1 spot away,' " Diggs said on his YouTube (@stefondiggs). "Name your No. 2 receiver right now, and tell me how much he makes, and then my last question is: Is he better than me?"
One obvious answer is Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Although Ja'Marr Chase remains the team's top target, Higgins has never been viewed as a typical second option.
The Bengals rewarded Higgins with a four-year, $115 million extension last season. He responded with another productive year and showed why the team invested in him.
Higgins caught 59 passes for 846 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns in 15 games during the 2025 season. He led the AFC in touchdown catches and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Diggs' comments also remind fans that a No. 2 receiver can still play a major role. Higgins shares targets with Ja'Marr Chase but remains one of the league's most productive receivers.
Diggs is still a free agent, making his confident remarks even more interesting as he waits for his next opportunity.
Where Stefon Diggs could land as free agency continues
According to Carter Bahns of CBS Sports, Diggs' willingness to accept a No. 2 receiver role could create more opportunities before the regular season begins.
Diggs finished the 2025 season with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns for the Patriots. If he's willing to accept a smaller contract and a complementary role, more playoff contenders could show interest.
The report identified teams such as the Washington Commanders, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons as potential fits.
Each team already has a clear No. 1 receiver but could still use an experienced veteran alongside him.
What are your thoughts on the Stefon Diggs claim? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by

Evince Das
Edited by

Rudra Dubey