What’s next for the Patriots and Stefon Diggs after release

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — The New England Patriots are parting ways with a significant player from their successful 14-3 season.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs joined the team in March of last year on a contract worth $69 million over three years. However, the agreement’s terms established the beginning of the 2026 season as a crucial point, allowing the Patriots to effectively treat it as a single-year commitment.

Consequently, a league insider revealed that the Patriots notified Diggs on Wednesday of their decision to release him in the coming week.

Diggs’ annual base compensation was set to escalate from $2.9 million in 2025 to $20.6 million in 2026, with his impact on the salary cap likewise climbing from $10.5 million to $26.5 million. An extra $6 million in guaranteed money, in addition to the $1.7 million he is already assured, would have been due to Diggs if he remained with the team beyond the upcoming week.

Therefore, the Patriots determined that the escalating financial commitments, coupled with Diggs reaching 33 years old in November, necessitated this departure – even though he delivered a strong 2025 regular season, leading the team with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four scores. His performance in the postseason was less impactful, accumulating 14 catches for 110 yards and a single touchdown.

Furthermore, Diggs is confronting felony charges, including strangulation, and other criminal accusations arising from a reported altercation with his private chef. Last month, he entered a not-guilty plea to these charges and is slated for his subsequent pretrial court appearance on April 1.

Diggs’ legal representative has stated that the pass-catcher “emphatically refutes these claims,” labeling them as unverified and driven by a monetary disagreement. The Patriots issued a declaration indicating their backing for Diggs.

Upon the finalization of his departure from the Patriots, Diggs will gain free agent status, permitting him to sign with any team.

Regarding the Patriots, they are projected to possess approximately $57 million in available salary cap funds. This offseason marks the initial period during which Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez can secure a contract extension, which is expected to be a primary focus (and a significant financial investment). Key areas of need for the team entering free agency encompass edge rushers, offensive linemen, linebackers, tight ends, and wide receivers.

Mike Reiss, an ESPN reporter covering the Patriots, Jeremy Fowler, a senior national NFL reporter, and Jordan Reid, an NFL draft analyst, address three inquiries regarding the future paths of both New England and Diggs.

What is the Patriots’ plan at receiver?

The New England organization aims to prioritize fostering talent from within. Coach Mike Vrabel expressed his eagerness to observe the progression of Kyle Williams, a 2025 third-round selection, who showcased impressive moments during his rookie season but concluded with only 10 catches for 209 yards and three scores over 30% of offensive plays. Additionally, Efton Chism III, an undrafted newcomer, demonstrated potential in the slot position, a role Diggs was expected to occupy more frequently in 2026.

During the NFL combine, Vrabel remarked that “the shift in performance for players in that role between their first and second years can be quite remarkable.”

The roster for 2026 also includes veteran Mack Hollins, fourth-year professional Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario “Pop” Douglas, all of whom are under existing contracts.

The Patriots are also anticipated to investigate potential trade options – with Vrabel’s previous coaching of Eagles wideout A.J. Brown serving as a noteworthy connection – in addition to leveraging the draft, where they hold 11 selections. — Reiss

What will free agency look like for Diggs?

Approaching 32 years old, Diggs is unlikely to command a premier contract among available pass-catchers and may have to bide his time until the subsequent phase of free agency. Nevertheless, his performance remained strong, achieving over 1,000 receiving yards in 2025. He has demonstrated effectiveness alongside developing quarterbacks consecutively in Houston and New England, suggesting a potential fit with the New York Giants and Jaxson Dart or the Tennessee Titans and Cam Ward. — Fowler

Will the Patriots draft a receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft?

Before Diggs’s impending departure, the Patriots already had a significant requirement for a wide receiver. With his imminent release, that demand arguably escalates to the pinnacle of their priorities for the NFL draft. Holding the 31st overall selection, New England finds itself towards the conclusion of where a flurry of wide receiver selections is anticipated in the first round.

Potential targets who could be obtainable include KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Denzel Boston (Washington), and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana). Each possesses varied abilities and could function as an additional offensive threat for quarterback Drake Maye. However, I consider Boston to be the most suitable choice. He is a physically imposing athlete (standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 209 pounds) who excels at making deep-field catches, and he would introduce a distinct physical profile to the Patriots’ current roster. — Reid