The Patriots plan to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs after the start of the league year, a source confirmed to the Herald.
The move frees up $16.8 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com. On March 13, two days after the new league year begins, $6 million of Diggs’ $20.6 million salary was set to guarantee.
The Patriots viewed Diggs as a declining player, due to his age, and there was a question within the organization of whether he could still be a No. 1 option in the offense.
The move leaves the Patriots with Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism, John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb at wide receiver.
Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots last offseason. He caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards with four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games with the Patriots while serving as a strong team leader.