Patriots to Release Stefon Diggs After One Season as Wide Receiver
The New England Patriots are set to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs before the 2026 league year begins. This decision comes as Diggs’ salary cap charge is scheduled to increase significantly, creating a financial burden for the team.
Stefon Diggs’ Performance and Departure
Stefon Diggs has been a pivotal player for the Patriots. He recorded an impressive 82.5% reception rate last season, catching 85 of 103 targets. This statistic ranks him second among wide receivers with at least 100 targets over the past decade.
- Michael Thomas (2018): 84.5%
- Stefon Diggs (2025): 82.5%
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (2024): 81.0%
Diggs also established a strong rapport with quarterback Drake Maye, leading the team with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season. In the playoffs, he contributed 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown, aiding the Patriots’ journey to Super Bowl LX.
Financial Implications of the Release
His upcoming release is influenced by financial factors. Diggs’ salary cap charge was poised to escalate from $10.5 million to $26.5 million. Additionally, retaining him would have guaranteed an extra $6 million if he remained on the roster by next week.
After announcing his departure, Diggs expressed gratitude on social media, stating, “Thank you for a hell of a year. We family forever.” Despite his strong presence on the field, Diggs is also facing felony strangulation charges linked to an incident involving his personal chef. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 1.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots are now tasked with finding a suitable replacement for Diggs. Currently, the team anticipates relying on veteran receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte. Additionally, DeMario “Pop” Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III are also part of the receiving corps.
With 11 draft picks this year, including the 31st overall selection, the Patriots aim to strengthen their roster. Head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the challenge of finding elite receivers in free agency, suggesting that drafting and developing talent remains crucial for building a successful team.
