The New England Patriots and Stefon Diggs are going their separate ways.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots informed the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver that they will be releasing him after the start of the league year next week.
Diggs’ return certainly wasn’t set in stone despite his impressive showing last season, as he carried a big cap hit. But his release now frees up $16.8 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com.
There was some buzz out of the combine that the Patriots and Diggs might try to restructure the contract, as he signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots last offseason. But instead, the receiver will be looking for a new team once again this offseason.
He finished the year with 85 passes for 1,013 yards with four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, also proving to be a crucial leader on and off the field.
And now, this decision makes the Patriots’ need for a true top wide receiver that much more important.
Stefon Diggs Says Goodbye
“THANK YOU for a hell of a year. We family forever ❤️”
(IG: stefondiggs)
In a post on his Instagram story at the same time as the news broke, Diggs shared a message to the Patriots.
“THANK YOU for a hell of a year. We family forever,” he wrote.
Here’s What Reporters Are Saying About The Decision
GettyNew England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs
Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna: “In a vacuum, this makes sense, given the charges against him off the field. And on the field, his age was starting to show. His pending release also sets up a potential trade. Y’all know who the Patriots might be after.”
NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry: “Consensus last week in Indy was that Stefon Diggs would not be back on his contract as it had been structured. One GM called him a “one-year guy.”
Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan: “The structure of Diggs’s contract all but ensured both sides would have to return to the negotiating table this offseason. The #Patriots decide Diggs wasn’t worth what it would have cost to keep him on their books for 2026. All eyes now back to A.J. Brown …”
Patriots.com’s Evan Lazar: “The #Patriots have the resources and draw to lure a top-flight receiver this offseason. Different spot than in years past coming off an MVP-caliber season for Drake Maye and a Super Bowl appearance under Vrabel. In a good spot to replace Diggs’ production from 2025.”
ESPN’s Mike Reiss: “Stefon Diggs’ competitive spirit, and production (85 catches for 1,013 yards), made his 1 season with the Patriots a big-time success. Patriots make calculation that rising salary/cap charge, plus Diggs turning 33 in November, makes this time to move on. Risky.”
CLNS’ Taylor Kyles: “Diggs had $6m in guarantees coming on March 13, and he would’ve carried a $26.5m cap hit in 2026 Didn’t make a ton of sense for the WR to play on that deal, but this leaves a pretty significant hole at WR”
Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed: “Felt unlikely that the Patriots would get the same level of production out of him next season, and there was a clean out in the contract. The Patriots feel one of their needs is offensive firepower, however, so they need a plan to replace him.”
Patriots Make Final Decision on Stefon Diggs