The New England Patriots face a crucial choice regarding Stefon Diggs as they head into the offseason. Diggs, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards last season, is entering the second year of his three-year contract, carrying a significant $26.5 million cap hit over the next two seasons. With the offseason underway, the Patriots must determine whether to keep their star receiver or explore other options to manage their salary cap.
Financial Implications and Contract Choices for Diggs
Patriots executives, including vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel, confront one of their most pressing offseason challenges: whether to retain Diggs under his current contract. Cutting Diggs outright would free $16.8 million in cap space but result in $9.7 million in dead money penalties. Alternatively, releasing him with a post-June 1 designation could create more room, freeing up $20.8 million against the cap.
When questioned about Diggs’ status at the NFL Combine, Wolf declined to provide specifics.
“I’m not going to get into any specific players today,”
he said.
“You know, there are certain conversations that we’re having, and we’ll see what happens with everything.”
Timing of Decisions Amid Upcoming Free Agency
The Patriots must action their plans quickly, as the legal tampering period begins on March 9 and official free agency starts on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. This timing puts pressure on the franchise to finalize decisions regarding Diggs and other key roster moves in a narrow window.
One potential solution on the table is restructuring Diggs’ contract. This would allow the Patriots to keep their top receiver while reducing the immediate salary cap burden, an important consideration given Diggs will turn 33 next fall.
Diggs’ Performance and Role on the Team
Last season, Diggs topped the Patriots’ receiving charts with 85 catches for 1,013 yards, marking the first 1,000-yard campaign for a Patriots receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. Beyond statistics, Diggs has been a dependable offensive weapon for quarterback Drake Maye and a key veteran presence in the locker room.
Options If Patriots Move On From Diggs
Should the Patriots decide to part ways with Diggs, they will face the challenge of finding a new reliable top receiver. Available options in free agency include Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce, while trade possibilities could bring in players like Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown. Each route carries its own risks and potential rewards as the team looks to maintain offensive strength.
Legal Issues Adding Complexity to Diggs’ Future
Stefon Diggs is also addressing serious legal matters off the field, having pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1, introducing an additional layer of uncertainty regarding his future with the Patriots.
