There is unrest and confusion at the Buffalo Bills. Stefon Diggs was initially a no-show for mandatory mini-camp, only showing up later. Those involved contradict each other in their statements. clarifying the most important questions.

All was actually quiet in Orchard Park, a small town in Western New York that is home to the Buffalo Bills.

Although the Bills once again failed to reach their Super Bowl goal in the 2022 season, Buffalo still became division winners for the third time in a row.

However, for the mandatory part of the Organised Team Activities, or OTAs for short, a key player was initially absent: Stefon Diggs. Many unanswered questions buzz in the room.

Stefon Diggs: What happened?

Previously, true for all NFL teams, parts of the preseason were voluntary. Those who wanted to stay at the franchises’ facilities could do so just as they could opt for individual preparation.

On Monday, however, the mandatory part of the preseason began, the so-called Mandatory Minicamps. On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills expected all of their players to attend joint sessions. Except for Stefon Diggs, everyone was present. It wasn’t until Wednesday night German time that Diggs was spotted at practice.

WR Stefon Diggs is practicing Wednesday at mandatory minicamp pic.twitter.com/N4NxaPfvis

– Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) June 14, 2023

Stefon Diggs: What do those involved say?

Head coach Sean McDermott expressed surprise at the situation and was clueless. “I’m very concerned. I don’t know where he is.”

He earned incomprehension from Diggs’ adviser. “He was here on Monday. We had a conversation with McDermott and [general manager Brandon] Beane afterwards.” However, he also acknowledged, “We had agreed he would be here through the entire minicamp. “

Quarterback Josh Allen was also asked about Diggs and was noticeably on the fence. “For our coach to say that, I think it’s understandable.” However, he sides with the receiver: “No matter what he does, I’m behind him. I love the hell out of him. Nothing we coach here really works without him. “

Stefon Diggs: Why is he absent?

Normally, there are two obvious reasons for absence from minicamps: either dissatisfaction with the contract or simply overestimating their own quality.

Diggs wouldn’t be the first seasoned NFL player who is one of the best at his position to skip minicamp. Especially in Aaron Rodgers’ days with the Green Bay Packers, the quarterback also liked to work out individually, most recently in 2021.

Some players use this as a signal that they are not happy with their contract situation. The latest example is defensive tackle Lawrence Guy of the New England Patriots. According to “ESPN”, he is skipping minicamp to push for a new contract.

With Diggs, however, that wouldn’t make sense. He only recently extended his contract up to and including 2027, and the contract pays him $96 million. So we can only speculate as to why Diggs was initially absent on Tuesday.

Stefon Diggs: Could there be a penalty?

Not only can there be a penalty, there will be a penalty. For the first day absent, players will be charged $16,459. The second day absence will cost $32,920 and for a full absence it will cost the player just under another $50,000, bringing the total fine to $98,753.

Whether the Bills will additionally sanction Diggs for his late arrival is yet to be estimated.

Stefon Diggs: How dramatic is the situation?

There is no answer to that either as of now. However, the potential for controversy is there. Especially since quarterback Josh Allen has sided with his “brother”.

The only fact is that Diggs was not at the mandatory workout. Moreover, the receiver was noticeably upset and pissed off at both Sean McDermott and Josh Allen during the final game of the 2022 season, a playoff home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Surely the reasoning behind the late arrival of Stefon Diggs will be revealed soon.