The New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs last year, but his contract could make him a cut candidate this offseason.
Diggs had a solid season, but perhaps not good enough to justify his $26 million cap hit next season. That, paired with his age and pending legal decision, makes releasing Diggs a real possibility for the Patriots. However, if he restructures his contract, the Patriots could be more comfortable in keeping him.
He was a great leader, but he is set to be paid more than is proportional to his production. He will be guaranteed an extra $6 million if he is on the roster on March 13, and recent reports suggest a resolution may not be close.
"One source said that if Diggs wants to remain in New England, he must restructure his contract to lower the cap hit," MassLive's Mark Daniels wrote on Friday. "The Patriots are willing to give him an incentive-laden deal that allows the veteran to earn back the money – if he produces."
However, Diggs was the Patriots' best receiver last season. Even if he did not stack up with the elite receivers around the league statistically, he has no reason to take a pay cut after what he did for the Patriots.
"A second source predicted Diggs would be unwilling to restructure his contract after leading the Patriots in multiple receiving categories," wrote Daniels. "The team has discussed how they could replace his production. That’s a sticking point due to a poor receiver class in free agency and the Patriots holding the 31st pick in the first round."
His contract is one thing, but the Patriots would need to be able to replace him if they do move on. The uncertainty of their ability to do that could mean they will have no choice but to stick with Diggs on his current deal.
"The Patriots know they need to support Drake Maye, and downgrading his receiver corps doesn’t do that," wrote Daniels. "That’s why a third source said the team was willing to keep Diggs on his current deal and swallow the cap hit. Essentially, multiple scenarios are up in the air, but the Patriots are working toward a resolution."
Right now, it's unclear what the Patriots plan is. Are they confident enough in their ability to sign a star if they release Diggs? Will they be able to pay him what he's due while also signing players in other areas of need? Will Diggs' legal situation impact the Patriots decison? All of this will need to be answered in the coming weeks.
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