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Patriots to release Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs
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- Patriots to release Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs ’ time in New England is over.
According to a source, the Patriots have informed Diggs that they will release him next week after the start of the NFL’s new league year. The 32-year-old signed a 3-year deal with the Patriots last offseason. Diggs led the team with 85 receptions, 1,013 yards with four touchdowns.
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The receiver confirmed the news on his Instagram account.
“Thank you for a hell of a year,” Diggs wrote. “We family forever (heart emoji) Patriots .”
At the NFL Combine, multiple sources told MassLive that the Patriots wanted the receiver to restructure his contract. The team wanted the veteran to take an incentive-laden deal that would lower his cap hit. One source predicted that Diggs wouldn’t be on the team if he didn’t restructure and noted the team had discussed how they could replace his production.
Diggs was set to account for $26.5 million on the team’s salary cap this season. He also turns 33 next fall. It’s more than likely that both numbers played a part in this decision. By cutting him, the Patriots free up $16.8 million on the cap and will be hit with $9.7 million in dead money.
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The timing of this news makes sense. Diggs had a $6 million guaranteed roster bonus due on March 13. Now, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent for the second straight offseason.
In search of a top-flight receiver, the Patriots targeted Chris Godwin in free agency last offseason. However, the veteran turned down more money from the Patriots to stay in Tampa. After the Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins , the Patriots turned their attention to Diggs.
Mike Vrabel’s team signed the four-time Pro Bowler to a $69 million contract. The deal was front-loaded, allowing the Patriots to exit the contract after one season. Diggs’ cap hit in 2026 and 2027 was $26.5 million.
The signing worked out for the Patriots. Diggs became the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. He also provided leadership for the Patriots and gave emotional pregame speeches.
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Diggs had five 100-yard games for the Patriots last season. His best performance came in Week 5 in Buffalo, where he caught a season-high 10 catches for 146 yards. The veteran also caught nine passes for 138 yards in the Patriots’ win in Baltimore .
At age 32, however, Diggs faded down the stretch. In four playoff games, he caught 14 passes for 110 yards with one touchdown. He never eclipsed 40 yards in the postseason and finished with three catches for 37 yards in the team’s Super Bowl 60 loss.
After that game, Diggs was asked about his future in New England.
“Unless they opt out of the contract, I anticipate being here,” said Diggs. “I hope so. Love my guys. Hell of a year playing with them. We built some real family-like bonds, so I hope so. I don’t control it.”
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Diggs is also facing multiple charges after being accused of assaulting his personal chef. He’s due back in court on April 1.
The start of the 2026 NFL new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. next Thursday. That’s when the release of Diggs should become official.
The league’s legal tampering process begins next Monday, opening the door to free agency. Now, without Diggs, receiver becomes a top priority for the Patriots.
The best free-agent option is Alec Pierce , who is expected to hit the open market next week. The 25-year-old finished 2025 with his first 1,000-yard season. Pierce also led the NFL in yards per reception the last two years in Indianapolis .
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The Patriots have also shown trade interest in Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown . On Wednesday, the NFL Network reported the Philadelphia Eagles are looking for a first-round and second-round pick for the veteran.
The Patriots could also target a receiver in the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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