The Patriots signed four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million deal this offseason. The hope is that Diggs can overcome his torn ACL injury and become the team’s No. 1 option at wide receiver.
However, Greg Bedard of Boston Sports Journal has sparked some a trade rumor around Diggs heading into the 2025 NFL season. In an article published on Wednesday, Bedard speculated on a potential Patriots trade involving Stefon Diggs as the team’s wide receiver core is established.
“Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams are the stone-cold locks,” Bedard wrote. “I am, however, not guaranteeing that Diggs is on this roster… The team isn’t thrilled with Diggs. If, for whatever reason, a legit No. 1 becomes available, I can’t rule out Diggs going out in a huge trade.
GettyStefon Diggs brings some controversy with him to the Patriots, but are they already done with him?
Are the Patriots Already Upset With Stefon Diggs?
The Patriots knew when they signed Stefon Diggs that he came with some baggage. Last month, Diggs got into some hot water for a leaked boat video showing him partying. After the leak, Diggs told reporters that he spoke with Head Coach Mike Vrabel, but those discussions would be kept “within the organization.” Vrabel responded to the incident during a Patriots press conference:
“Well, it’s something that we’re aware of. Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel explained. “We’re hoping that with our time here on the field today, that when we don’t have a script and we’re on the call periods, that we’re making great decisions…Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him, me, and the club.”
Former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak shared his opinion on his radio show about Diggs after the yacht video leak. The franchise has learned how to handle controversial incidents over the years, but Zolak claimed to have “insider knowledge” that the Patriots could cut Stefon Diggs.
What Does Drake Maye Think About Stefon Diggs?
Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye also commented on his relationship with Diggs during a recent Patriots minicamp. Maye told reporters that Stefon “seems like an awesome teammate.”
“We talk all the time,” said Maye. “He’s a veteran in this league, he has made a lot of plays. He has played in a lot of big-time games. So, an awesome voice for the receiver room and this offense… I think once he kind of recovers and is able to get back out there, I’m looking forward to throwing him some footballs.”
There is a big difference between having some fun in the offseason and not being able to live up to the hype that Stefon Diggs brings to the Patriots. It’s been reported that the powers that be chose him over DK Metcalf in free agency. The Patriots want Diggs to work out in New England, but they will need him to perform like he did before his torn ACL if they want to make the playoffs.
GettyStefon Diggs could be the first wide receiver to have a 1,000-yard season for the Patriots since 2019.
Can Stefon Diggs Get the Patriots Back to the Playoffs?
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report
called the signing of Stefon Diggs the “riskiest move” of the NFL offseason. “If Diggs cannot regain his Pro Bowl form, he could become a pricey bust for the Patriots,” Knox wrote. “However, helping Maye develop into a capable NFL starter will be a very important goal. If he can’t show growth in Year 2, it could lead to some serious questions.”
The good news is that Diggs turned heads during OTAs. He also sent a message that he’s working as hard as he can on his rehab. The trade rumors may cloud the media narrative. But it seems that the Patriots are going to give him a chance to perform on the field.
Mike Vrabel has gone to bat for Diggs, saying that he’s just trying to figure out what his role is on the offense and in the organization. “He’s engaged and I like his energy,” Vrabel said.