Did Stefon Diggs drama keep Bills from signing DeAndre Hopkins?

The Buffalo Bills may have had a unique reason for not landing former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this summer. 

For a piece published Tuesday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the Bills "had worked through particulars both with Hopkins and the Cardinals pre-draft" regarding a move for the three-time first-team All-Pro. 

Breer added that "my sense is there was trepidation (within the Bills) because of how such a signing could upset the balance of the offense, with Stefon Diggs needing his touches, and Hopkins being a volume receiver." 

Bills general manager Brandon Beane indicated in early June he'd pursue Hopkins following the veteran's release from the Cardinals. That, however, was before Diggs either wasn't or was excused from the opening day of mandatory minicamp amid his alleged frustrations "with his role in the offense and his voice in play-calling." 

Diggs famously confronted quarterback Josh Allen before the 29-year-old finished Buffalo's 27-10 playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals this past January with four catches on 10 targets for 35 yards and no touchdowns. Individuals associated with the team spent portions of their summer breaks insisting "there’s nothing to really be worried about" as it pertains to Diggs' dedication to helping the 2023 Bills succeed, but Breer suggested otherwise. 

"...They drafted (tight end) Dalton Kincaid (in the first round this spring) to play the sort of inside receiver spot Hopkins would have, the Diggs drama escalated, and I’m not sure — as much as they liked Hopkins when they talked to him—they had another run in them," Breer continued about the Bills.

It was reported on Sunday that Hopkins received a two-year, $26M deal that could be worth up to $32M with incentives to join the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio previously hinted Buffalo wouldn't get into a bidding war with the Titans and/or the New England Patriots to acquire Hopkins, but it seems Beane and company may have passed on the 31-year-old to help avoid potential locker-room issues.