Rams have all too many reasons to continue ignoring Stefon Diggs

The Los Angeles Rams need someone to emerge as the No. 3 receiver, but free agent Stefon Diggs is not the answer. Diggs, an 11-year veteran, was released by New England in March following assault charges stemming from an incident with his private chef. He was found not guilty in May, and the NFL recently concluded its investigation having found "insufficient evidence" to determine whether Diggs violated its personal conduct policy. 

Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson Jr. is already facing felony domestic violence allegations and a potential suspension. Regardless of the outcome, as things stand now, bringing in Diggs would strike the wrong note, for obvious reasons.

That's far from the only reason to pass on him, though. Compared to his peak, his production has dipped noticeably over his last three seasons. Even so, he is likely to remain expensive. Like his Patriots replacement, AJ Brown, in the past Diggs grumbled over his role with the Buffalo Bills, causing turmoil and distraction.

Especially given the rest of Diggs' baggage, the Rams have every reason to continue ignoring him in free agency. 

Diggs is not it for the Rams 

The Rams don't need locker room drama, like what went on in Diggs' Bills stint. They don't need to pay Diggs when he is clearly past his prime. They already have Davante Adams, who is 33 years old and carries a $28 million cap hit. With Adams' established role as a security blanket in the middle of the field and in the red zone, Diggs would be a somewhat redundant fit. 

Plus, do the Rams really want two aging receivers on the roster? Diggs will turn 33 himself in late November. His last contract would have paid him $63.5 million over three years, had he completed it. Diggs might take a discount, but he won't play for cheap. 

Sure, he managed to be productive as the Patriots' go-to option last season, finishing with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. That's fine, but the Rams don't need another short-area target. Puka Nacua does plenty of work there, as do the roster's numerous tight ends. 

What they need is a field-stretcher, which was never Diggs' gig, anyway, and definitely isn't now. He's a volume receiver likely looking to be, at worst, a team's No. 2 option. That's not what head coach Sean McVay is looking for. Try the next house down. 

If the Rams ever were to sign Diggs, it would be reasonable to wait at least until they have more clarity on Jackson's situation. Whenever that happens, it will be even later in the offseason.

That's relevant because last year, when Matthew Stafford sat out training camp with a bad back, his absence cost him and Adams valuable preparation, and it showed early in the season. While they eventually forged a telepathic connection, it was a handful of weeks before they truly clicked. 

Diggs' arrival late this summer would present a similar problem, making it difficult to get on the same page with his quarterback. The Rams don't need the headache or disruption.

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