The New England Patriots have decided to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs ahead of the 2026 NFL season, creating a significant opening in their offense centered around quarterback Drake Maye. The move is aimed at freeing salary cap space while setting the stage for improving their passing game in the next phase of the rebuild.
Diggs, 32, signed with the Patriots last March on a three-year, $69 million contract and quickly became a key offensive weapon during the team’s journey to Super Bowl LIX. He led New England in receptions, receiving yards, and first downs, contributing directly to Maye’s MVP-level campaign. However, releasing Diggs will save the Patriots $26.5 million in cap space despite a $9.7 million dead-cap charge, allowing the team to explore new options at wide receiver.
Exploring Free Agency: Adding Alec Pierce as a Target
The Indianapolis Colts recently decided to prioritize quarterback Daniel Jones, letting wide receiver Alec Pierce enter free agency. Pierce gained a reputation as a downfield threat during his tenure with the Colts, leading the NFL in yards-per-reception over the last two seasons. On a recent “Up and Adams” interview, he expressed excitement about expanding his role to include more short and intermediate routes, aiming to become a more versatile and reliable target.
“A lot of times the stuff I was doing [with the Colts] was all downfield, it was pretty low percentage-type stuff and that was just the nature of our offense… The more short game, intermediate game—that’s probably a little bit easier [for] completions—is going to be stuff that I’m going to take on a larger portion of now. I’m kind of projecting towards doing that because you’ve got to justify paying a receiver this much money and you can’t be a guy that’s catching two balls a game.”
?Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver
In 2025, Pierce set career highs in receptions (37) and yards (1,003). With more opportunities in an offense constructed around him and a quarterback like Maye, who led the league in completion percentage (72.0%) and yards per attempt (8.9), Pierce could elevate his performance further with New England.
Potential Trade Target: A.J. Brown’s Fit with the Patriots
A.J. Brown remains a prominent option should the Philadelphia Eagles agree to a trade, and the Patriots have long been considered a logical destination. Brown was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2019 when Mike Vrabel was head coach, and their connection has remained strong over the years. Vrabel acknowledged their ongoing communication and expressed pride in Brown’s growth both as a player and as a person.
“I’ve watched him grow, I’ve watched him mature. I’m proud of him. Proud of the father that he is, proud of the husband, and that has nothing to do with where he plays or where he played. … We reach out and text each other during the things that happen good to each other and sometimes things don’t go so well for the people that you’re close with, and you text those as well.”
?Mike Vrabel, Patriots Head Coach
The Eagles reportedly seek a first-round draft pick along with a second-round pick to trade Brown, a costly price given New England’s current rebuilding status. However, acquiring the three-time second-team All-Pro receiver could substantially aid Maye’s development by providing an established and dynamic receiving threat.
First-Round Draft Prospects to Consider
If the Patriots prefer building through the draft, they can target high-potential wide receivers late in the first round with pick No. 31. Several promising talents could fill the vacancy left by Diggs while growing alongside Maye.
Denzel Boston, Washington
Boston is a physical receiver at 6’4″ and 209 pounds who has consistently been a volume target. He recorded over 60 receptions and 800 yards in each of the last two seasons, adding a combined 19 touchdowns. His size and consistency make him a strong catch-and-run threat suitable for complementing Maye’s accurate passing.
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Known for his explosive playmaking, Concepcion caught 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Beyond his receiving skills, he is an elite return specialist, contributing 456 return yards and two touchdowns on 25 attempts last season, providing versatile value on special teams as well.
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Cooper Jr. led the Hoosiers with 69 receptions, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns en route to a college football title. He demonstrated an ability to make impactful plays in critical moments, such as Indiana’s late-season victory over Penn State to secure playoff contention. His competitiveness and clutch performances could translate well to the NFL level and support New England’s championship aspirations.
Implications and Next Steps for New England’s Offense
The Patriots’ decision to release Stefon Diggs reflects a strategic shift aimed at rebalancing their salary cap and refreshing their receiving corps. Replacing a leading receiver from a Super Bowl-caliber team is a complex challenge, especially with the pressure on Drake Maye to continue his ascendancy. Whether through free agency by signing Alec Pierce, negotiating a trade for A.J. Brown, or investing in rookie talent like Boston, Concepcion, or Cooper Jr., New England is poised for a pivotal offseason.
How the Patriots maneuver this wide receiver vacancy will strongly influence their offensive output and their ability to build a sustained contender around Maye. With free agency opening shortly, and the draft approaching, fans and analysts alike will closely watch which direction ownership and management choose to take toward securing a top-tier pass catcher.
Alec Pierce on putting up 1,000 yards last season on a limited target share (via @UpAndAdamsShow):
"That's what I'm most excited about, getting paid and being a free agent—or getting a big contract, is the coaches and the front office know they have to back up that contract. So…
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) March 4, 2026
Mike Vrabel on his relationship with Eagles WR A.J. Brown:
"The relationships with players, and specifically … A.J., has meant a lot. I've watched him grow, I've watched him mature. I'm proud of him. Proud of the father that he is, proud of the husband, and that has nothing to…
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 25, 2026
From @gmfb on Howie Roseman’s Quinnen Williams-esque ask for A.J. Brown if he’s going to consider trading the #Eagles WR, Kirk Cousins’ expected patience in free agency and the latest arm-length controversy after the Scouting Combine and ahead of pro days. pic.twitter.com/xSTeIMzub9
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 4, 2026
