The New England Patriotsmust decide the future of veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs before the new league year begins. Diggs finished the 2025 season as the most productive target for quarterback Drake Maye. He recorded 85 receptions and 1,013 receiving yards.
This performance made him the first New England player to cross the 1,000-yard mark since Julian Edelman in 2019. Despite this success, his contract situation creates a significant hurdle for the front office.
Diggs carries a $26.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season. He will also turn 33 years old next fall. Teams are often hesitant to pay premium prices for aging receivers, even those with proven production.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Patriots can gain substantial financial flexibility by moving on. A standard release would save the team $16.8 million in cap space. If they use a post-June 1 designation, those savings rise to $20.8 million.
The calendar makes this a time-sensitive issue. Diggs has $6 million in salary that becomes fully guaranteed on March 13, 2026. If the Patriots want to avoid that cost, they must release or trade him before that date.
While his regular season numbers were strong, critics point to a decline in the postseason. Diggs averaged only 27.5 yards per game during the team’s recent playoff run. This drop in production during big moments complicates his value.
The front office reportedly wants to keep Diggs but at a lower price point. A contract restructure or a pay cut would allow the team to retain their top receiver while signing other free agents.
However, players who just reached 1,000 yards rarely agree to take less money. The team must decide if his veteran leadership for Drake Maye is worth the high cost.
“He’s been a great addition to our locker room and his production speaks for itself,” head coach Jerod Mayo said during a recent press conference. This suggests the coaching staff values his presence.
Executive Eliot Wolf also commented on the roster building process earlier this year. “We’re going to be aggressive, but we’re going to be smart with the cap,” Wolf stated.
If the two sides cannot reach an agreement on a new deal, the Patriots will likely look for a younger replacement in the upcoming draft. The team needs to maximize the rookie contract window of their young quarterback.
Spending over 10 percent of the total cap on one aging receiver might prevent them from improving the defense or the offensive line. The next two weeks will determine if Diggs remains the primary target in New England.
Patriots want A.J. Brown and Stefon Diggs next season
The New England Patriots have an internal interest in trading for A.J. Brown. This move does not depend on Stefon Diggs. The team wants to have both players at the same time. Diggs would need to change his contract to make this work.
Head coach Mike Vrabel previously coached Brown in Tennessee. This connection is a major reason for the trade talks.
The Philadelphia Eagles want a high price for the star receiver. They are asking for a first- and second-round draft pick. Eagles manager Howie Roseman said you don’t improve by subtracting. However, some experts think the Eagles might listen to big offers now. A trade could happen before the next season starts.