Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen expressed his gratitude towards his former teammate and close friend, Stefon Diggs, following his departure from the team.

In his first public comments since the trade, Allen revealed that he exchanged heartfelt text messages with Diggs, thanking him for his contributions both on and off the field.

Josh Allen asked what he learned about managing relationships after the last four years with Stefon Diggs.

Answer is a great look at what it's like to be the Face of the Franchise. #Billsmafia pic.twitter.com/06reerT8Bf

— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) April 18, 2024

“Yeah, I shared a text with him and got one back, just thanking him for everything that he did for me,”Allen told reporters on Thursday.

“I’ll always have a spot in my heart for him and I’ll always love him like a brother and wish him nothing but the best.”

Diggs, who spent four seasons with the Bills, was traded to the Houston Texans earlier this month, leaving Allen without his primary target and a cherished teammate.

Throughout Diggs’ tenure in Buffalo, he showcased his exceptional talent, consistently surpassing the 1,100-yard receiving mark each season and earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections.

Reflecting on Diggs’ impact, Allen remarked, “I’ll always love that guy like a brother. He meant a lot. Look at the statistics. The numbers don’t lie.”

Indeed, Diggs played a pivotal role in Allen’s development as a quarterback, with Allen earning two Pro Bowl selections during their time together.

Despite Diggs’ departure, Allen acknowledged the challenges of parting ways with such a significant figure in the team’s success.

General Manager Brandon Beane also addressed the trade, recognizing the void left by Diggs’ absence but expressing confidence in the team’s remaining receiving corps.

“I get that you’re talking about a guy for his first four years here was in a No. 1 role. We have not filled a No. 1 role,” Beane said.

“I would say we have a group of guys as we sit here today who we believe bring different skill sets. We like the group. Would we like to add to it at some point? Yes. But I’m not sitting here thinking we have a glaring hole. But I get the question, and I get the perception.”

With the NFL draft looming, the Bills are poised to address their receiver needs, with speculation swirling around potential picks to bolster the wideout position.

Beane hinted at the possibility of adding multiple receivers to the roster, emphasizing the importance of building depth and talent within the team.

As the Bills navigate the aftermath of Diggs’ departure, Allen remains grateful for the impact his former teammate had on his career.

“My lasting memory of (Stefon) will be the receiver that helped me become the quarterback that I am today,”Allen affirmed.

With Diggs’ departure marking the end of an era in Buffalo, Allen and the Bills are prepared to embrace the challenges ahead as they strive for continued success on the field.