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What they’re saying nationally about Patriots’ decision to release Stefon Diggs
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- What they’re saying nationally about Patriots’ decision to release Stefon Diggs
The Patriots made the decision to release Stefon Diggs when the new league year begins.
The wide receiver spent one year in New England after he signed a three-year deal with the team ahead of last season.
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Diggs was coming off a torn ACL he suffered in 2024 while with the Houston Texans and hit the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh time in his career. He built chemistry with Drake Maye and gave the quarterback a legitimate weapon, but he’ll be a free agent next week.
Here’s what those around the NFL are saying about New England ’s decision to release Diggs and what could be next for the 32-year-old.
“ 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.”
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“What complicates the move for New England is that the wide receiver position was already one of the team’s most pressing needs. Now, it’s arguably the most important position to address this offseason, and that ups the intrigue surrounding a potential trade for A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles .
“The Patriots could go after Brown partly because this group of free-agent wide receivers isn’t great, meaning they may be forced to pivot to either trading for Brown or using an early draft pick on a wide receiver. Though in a bit of a surprise, it looks like Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce will hit the open market next week, which would make him a prime option for the Patriots since his ability to win deep would fit nicely with Drake Maye.”
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“As he heads back into free agency, the 32-year-old Diggs may face an interesting decision. Does he want to go somewhere he’ll be the primary option, or — at this stage of his career — does it make more sense to join a team where he can complement an already formidable receiving corps? While the decision will most likely be his, the market will largely dictate where Diggs ultimately lands and what role he’s asked to fill in 2026.”
“The decision will leave the Patriots without their No. 1 receiver from their 2025 season that produced a trip to the Super Bowl. Diggs led the Patriots in receptions and receiving yards with 85 catches for 1,013 and 4 touchdowns.
“Barring a significant offseason addition, Diggs’ absence will leave a significant hole in New England’s lineup and third-year quarterback Drake Maye without a true No. 1 receiving option. The next three receivers on New England’s depth chart are Kayshon Boutte , Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas , none of whom tallied more than 551 receiving yards last season.”
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“With Diggs out of the picture, New England has lost its most experienced wide receiver. While they will likely address the position in free agency, as it currently stands, their top receiver heading into 2026 will be Mack Hollins. Hollins, 32, has one year left on his contract. He had 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns last season.
“Behind Hollins on the depth chart are Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III , a group of younger wide receivers all of whom remain on their rookie contracts. Boutte led all Patriots wide receivers with six touchdown catches last year, while Douglas and Williams had three touchdowns apiece.”
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“Although he was largely prevented from making a difference in Super Bowl LX (three catches for 37 yards), it’s fair to wonder if the Patriots reach the final game of the 2025 NFL season without him. His teammates’ positive words regarding him during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX underscored this sentiment, and nearly a month after losing to the Seattle Seahawks , coach Mike Vrabel maintained a positive review of the veteran.”
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