The New England Patriots are moving in a different direction at the wide receiver position. According to multiple reports, the team has informed four-time Pro Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs that he will be released at the start of the new league year next week. The move comes as a surprise to some, given Diggs' productive 2025 campaign, but the decision is primarily driven by financial considerations and a massive looming cap hit.
The Financial Impact of the Patriots Release of Stefon Diggs
The Patriots release Stefon Diggs just one year into the three-year, $63.5 million contract he signed last offseason. While Diggs provided the veteran leadership and production the team lacked in previous years, his 2026 cap hit was set to be a staggering $26.5 million. By making this move before March 13, the Patriots avoid paying a $6 million guaranteed roster bonus.
The release is expected to create approximately $16.8 million in salary cap space for New England. This flexibility is crucial for a team looking to build around young franchise quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots currently have significant cap room to work with, and moving on from Diggs allows them to potentially pursue younger or more cost-effective options in free agency or via trade.
Impact on the Field: A 1,000-Yard Campaign
Despite the short tenure, Diggs' time in Foxborough was statistically successful. Coming off a torn ACL suffered in 2024 with the Texans, Diggs proved he still had plenty left in the tank. He finished the 2025 regular season with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the first Patriots receiver to cross the 1,000-yard threshold since Julian Edelman in 2019.
Diggs was instrumental in the Patriots' run to Super Bowl LX, providing a reliable target for Maye as the young quarterback ascended to MVP-caliber play. However, Diggs' production dipped during the postseason, where he recorded 14 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown across four games. While he was a vocal leader in the locker room, the team ultimately decided the high price tag was too steep for a 32-year-old receiver.
Off-Field Issues and the Future of the Patriots WR Room
Beyond the financial numbers, off-field concerns may have played a role in the team's decision. Diggs is currently facing legal challenges following an arrest in December. He has pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April. The Patriots, known for their strict culture, may have preferred to distance themselves from the ongoing legal proceedings.
With Diggs no longer in the fold, the Patriots' wide receiver depth chart currently features:
- Kayshon Boutte
- Mack Hollins
- DeMario Douglas
- Kyle Williams
Rumors are already swirling that New England could be a major player in the trade market, with A.J. Brown often mentioned as a potential target due to his connections with head coach Mike Vrabel. Whether through a blockbuster trade or the upcoming NFL Draft, the Patriots now have a significant hole to fill at the top of their receiving corps as they look to return to the Super Bowl stage in 2026.
Sources & Original Reporting
