INDIANAPOLIS — The New England Patriots are at a crossroads about Stefon Diggs’ status as the team approaches the offseason, with his contract complications contributing to uncertainty surrounding his future. Once strongly supported when faced with legal troubles, Diggs now appears to be distanced by Patriots decision-makers Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf as they evaluate their roster for the upcoming season.
Two and a half months ago, Diggs was charged with strangulation and assault, but the Patriots publicly supported him at that time. Now, with his contract complicating roster choices, the team’s stance has shifted to a more cautious “wait and see” approach.
Leadership Praised but Contract and On-Field Performance Raise Doubts
When asked about Diggs’ future at the NFL Scouting Combine, head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged Diggs’ leadership and work ethic, especially during his knee rehab. However, Vrabel provided no definitive answer on whether Diggs will remain with the Patriots beyond his current contract, noting ongoing evaluations of the team and players.
On the field, Diggs’ deal no longer seems beneficial for either party. His 2026 base salary includes only $1.7 million guaranteed unless he remains on the team by March 13, after which $6 million becomes guaranteed. His total pay for next season is $20.6 million, but his cap hit is a hefty $26.5 million, a burden the team finds troubling.
Despite a solid season producing the Patriots’ first 1,000-yard receiving campaign since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Diggs will turn 33 this November and has shown diminished impact in crucial playoff games — totaling just 110 receiving yards over four postseason contests. Top defenses have often keyed on him without hesitation, revealing cracks in his effectiveness as the team’s premier receiver.
Christian Barmore’s Development and Off-Field Issues Cast Doubt on His Future
Similarly, Christian Barmore’s place with the Patriots is under scrutiny. At 26, his best years may have passed, hampered by persistent knee injuries and a severe battle with blood clots. His on-field production has been underwhelming; Barmore recorded only two sacks during the regular season and failed to generate pressure in the Super Bowl. His run defense has been inconsistent, a weakness highlighted during a prolonged midseason stretch in which he delivered few impactful plays.
Eliot Wolf commented on Barmore’s maturity, noting ongoing efforts to develop him further.
“I mean, Christian has grown up quite a bit, and we continue to help him with that,”
Wolf said.
“He continues to want to make improvements in that area.”
Nevertheless, many question whether an NFL team should still be focused on developing maturity in a player entering his sixth year in the league.
Barmore’s legal troubles also weigh heavily on the Patriots’ considerations. Police reports detail a disturbing domestic violence incident involving Barmore allegedly throwing the mother of his 2-year-old daughter to the ground, with photographic evidence of her injuries submitted to authorities. The woman reportedly fled to Delaware using a team-provided car service to escape the situation, and Barmore allegedly threatened her with further violence through family connections.
Despite these serious allegations, the Patriots fielded Barmore for all 17 regular-season games and four playoffs, signaling a willingness to look beyond character concerns thus far. Any decision to release or trade him would likely hinge on salary cap implications and team value, rather than solely on off-field behavior.
Financial Complications Hamper Both Players’ Status on the Patriots Roster
Both Diggs and Barmore have contract terms that require tough financial decisions by the Patriots before certain guarantees become active on March 13. Barmore is in line to receive $10 million of his base salary unless the team cuts him, which would result in a significant dead cap hit — $12.8 million if cut immediately or $5.6 million with a post-June 1 designation.
While trading Barmore might reduce dead cap consequences compared to an outright release, it appears unlikely to fetch substantial draft capital, probably only a late-round pick.
Barmore is currently the 11th highest-paid defensive tackle by total contract value, underscoring the financial challenge the Patriots face in managing his roster spot.
When questioned about the situation this week, Coach Vrabel emphasized the importance of character within the organization.
“We want to make sure that these are just, in fact, accusations. And I mean, we want to make sure that we have the right people on this football team. That’s the first thing that we want to do,”
he said.
“I want to make sure that the people on this football team are the ones that we want on there that share the same beliefs and the same work ethic and the same values and help us build an identity again.
And then we’ll evaluate the player for the player. So, whenever any of those things come to light or there’s a decision and we know more information, then we’ll make a decision on that.”
Patriots’ Upcoming Decisions Could Reshape Their Roster Amid Limited Options
The Patriots face an offseason where the free-agent market lacks true difference-makers, and blockbuster trades seem unlikely. The choices they make regarding Diggs and Barmore will define their offseason strategy, balancing salary cap flexibility, player performance, and character concerns.
While cutting ties with either Diggs or Barmore feels probable, releasing both would not be surprising given the financial and reputational complexities surrounding each player. The franchise must decide whether to part ways with two of their top dozen players to manage salary cap constraints and potential distractions.
These decisions hold significant weight for the Patriots as they navigate a roster rebuild aimed at restoring their competitive identity under Mike Vrabel’s leadership and Eliot Wolf’s management.
