Budding connection between C.J. Stroud and Stefon Diggs fueling hype for Texans

Stefon Diggs and C.J. Stroud still need time to develop a repertoire, but the veteran wide receiver already seems confident in the Houston Texans quarterback.

"[Stroud] is special," Diggs said in a Monday news conference. "I think everybody kind of knows that. I must reiterate it, though, because I've seen it firsthand and taken it play after play and building, so it's a work in progress."

Stroud — the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft — shattered expectations in one of the best rookie seasons in league history. He led the Texans to their first playoff win since 2019, winning Rookie of the Year. He also finished eighth in the league in passing yards (4,108 in 15 games).

In April, the Texans acquired Diggs in a trade with the Buffalo Bills to elevate a strong receiving corps featuring Nico Collins and Tank Dell. In four seasons with Buffalo, the 30-year-old pass-catcher made four Pro Bowls, logging 445 receptions for 5,372 yards and 37 touchdown catches.

Diggs helped Bills QB Josh Allen become a perennial MVP candidate, and he could do the same with Stroud. As of Tuesday, FanDuel gives the 22-year-old passer the third-best MVP odds (+1000) behind Allen and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.

Adding Diggs may make the Texans a Super Bowl contender, raising expectations for the club. On Tuesday, the team announced it sold out season tickets. Last season, Houston was the only team without a game scheduled for a national television window. What a difference a year makes.