The New England Patriots were unable to secure victory in the Super Bowl, highlighting the need for significant roster adjustments ahead of the 2026 season. Among key choices is the future of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, as reports indicate the Patriots might part ways with him in the offseason to reshape their lineup.
Challenges Surrounding Stefon Diggs’ Future with the Team
Stefon Diggs was brought in to be the primary receiving option for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, whose performance improved notably once he had a reliable No. 1 target. Maye earned the runner-up spot in MVP voting, while Diggs rebounded from an injury to record 1,013 receiving yards in the regular season.
However, Diggs’ impact drastically diminished during the playoffs, where he managed only 110 yards over four games. His underwhelming postseason performance coincided with an overall stagnant offense, but it raised questions about his ability to deliver in critical moments.
NFL analyst Greg Auman has suggested the Patriots may cut Diggs after the season, especially given his $21 million salary set by his current three-year, $63.5 million contract. While the Patriots would incur an $8 million dead cap charge, no guaranteed money is owed for 2026, providing a financially viable exit.
Off-Field Concerns and Financial Considerations Weigh on the Patriots
At 30 years old, the risk of decline in Diggs’ performance is a factor the Patriots must consider, especially alongside recent legal issues involving a December incident where he was charged with felony strangulation. This off-field matter adds pressure on the franchise to reevaluate his role on the team.
The Patriots also face the strategic challenge of reallocating Diggs’ substantial salary cap space to strengthen other areas of the roster. Balancing his remaining contract costs against the potential benefits of investing in new talent will be crucial in determining their next steps.
Potential Impact on Team Strategy and Roster Moves
The departure of Diggs would leave Maye without his top receiving threat, necessitating the acquisition of a new offensive weapon. Maye’s 2025 success was aided greatly by Diggs, who ranked fourth in the PFSN WR Impact score with an 87.0 grade, but the loss may push the Patriots to diversify their offensive strategy or seek alternatives beyond wide receivers.
Greg Auman anticipates the Patriots will prefer to redirect Diggs’ $21 million salary toward various roster improvements, suggesting they are unlikely to commit to another expensive contract for the wideout if he cannot perform consistently when it matters the most.
