Bills GM Reveals Reasoning Behind Buffalo Trading for Stefon Diggs and More NFL Teams Should Think Like This

The times, they are a-changin' in the AFC East. No longer are the New England Patriots the favorites to win the division. Now, it's the Buffalo Bills, who showed notable progression last season, and they only got better after trading a bevy of draft picks to the Minnesota Vikings to secure the services of skilled wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane spoke with the media on Thursday morning, and was asked about why he opted to pull the trigger on a Diggs trade. Beane cited that the team needed to add a receiver alongside John Brown and Cole Beasley, and since they were out of position to select a top wideout in the NFL Draft, he instead opted to move their pick to bring in Diggs, their "first-round pick."

GM Brandon Beane on Diggs trade: Wanted to find someone opposite John Brown to pair w/Cole Beasley...felt like with current offseason to get WR they needed they would have to trade up in first round...Diggs is the first round pick #Bills
— Maddy Glab (@MadGlab) April 2, 2020

This is the mindset that all NFL general managers should have. How many times do we see GMs clutch their first-round picks as if they're a surefire guarantee to succeed in the NFL? When you have the chance to part ways with an unproven asset for a star player, YOU DO IT.

Buffalo clinched a Wild Card berth last season and showcased that they can be a powerhouse team in the very near future. Despite that, the wide receiver position was their weakest unit, even with the additions of Brown and Beasley via free agency last year.

The Bills were expected to hold the 23rd overall pick in this month's draft, and that means they were well out of position to select top-tier collegiate wideouts in CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and Henry Ruggs III. Given that knowledge, Beane realized that he still has three more years until he has to pay quarterback Josh Allen big money, so he could flex his financial muscle right now.

Bills GM Brandon Beane: I blame myself for the offense struggles. We needed more playmakers opposite of Brown and Beasley.
— Josh Reed (@4JoshReed) April 2, 2020

So, with his exorbitant amount of cap space, Beane opted to make a call to Minnesota about the services of the disgruntled Diggs. And four draft picks later (a first-rounder, a fourth-rounder, a fifth-rounder and a sixth-rounder), Beane gave Allen his new top receiver.

With a championship window that's wide open for the next couple of seasons, Beane decided to jump at the opportunity to put them over the top. It's a true shame that other front office executives don't follow this same mantra. They need to take some notes from Beane.