Heading into 2026, the goal will be for the Patriots to take another step forward coming off of their impressive 14-3 finish.However, for that to happen, it looks like changes are already on the way on offense.According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the team has informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that he’ll be released at the start of the new league year, which ends his tenure in New England after just one season.The biggest deciding factor is likely financially driven, with Diggs’ cap charge jumping from $10.5 million to $26.5 million in 2026. After signing with the team last offseason, it felt like anything beyond 2025 would require the club to rework the veteran’s contract, but it appears they’ll explore other options.Diggs is coming off a season in which he finished with over 1,000 yards receiving, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’s the first Patriots receiver to accomplish that feat since Julian Edelman finished with 100 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season in 2019.But in the postseason, while he led the team in receptions with 14 for 110 yards and a touchdown, he averaged just 7.9 yards per reception, the lowest among all players with six or more playoff receptions.That’s not conducive to a contract like the one Diggs carried, and the toughest takeaway was how badly New England struggled on offense. Despite a ferocious pass rush from Seattle in the Super Bowl, one other issue was that what little time Drake Maye had saw too many tight windows and not enough separation from his receivers.The Patriots needed someone to make a play, and Diggs didn’t come through. He finished with 3 catches for 37 yards, two of which came in the fourth quarter when the game was out of hand.That was the fourth-lowest total for that game, with Diggs coming in behind Mack Hollins (4 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown), Demario Douglas (5 catches, 45 yards), and Rhamondre Stevenson (5 receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown).Diggs posted a goodbye to Patriots fans, confirming the news, saying, “THANK YOU for a hell of a year. We family forever.”
(PHOTO: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)
Off-Field Issues Likely Played a RoleDiggs’ off-the-field issues likely didn’t help. He’s currently facing charges after pleading not guilty earlier this month to felony strangulation and other criminal charges involving his personal chef. The team has stood behind him, and head coach Mike Vrabel reiterated last week that they had planned to monitor the situation.“We want our players to make great decisions,” said Vrabel last week. “And again, we’ve tried to support those players that have some things that have come up, whether those are accusations. We’re going to let the legal process run its course, just like we said before.”“And then those players, whether that’s Stefon or anybody else that has something, has done exactly what they’re supposed to do, be where they’re supposed to be, communicate with the court when they’re supposed to communicate with them. We’re going to let all that take care of itself, and then we’ll have to see what the judgments are in those particular cases.”Diggs reportedly denied the allegations to the point where his attorney doesn’t expect his client to accept a plea deal. His next hearing is set for the beginning of April.In addition to his current case, Diggs was involved in another lawsuit where he’s being sued for defamation related to another former employee who was assaulted after a theft involving a Ferrari apparently owned by Diggs. After the theft, which apparently came while the victim was responsible for transporting the vehicle, he was allegedly beaten by two men said to be associated with Diggs. That added another legal issue for the Patriots receiver, with trouble seemingly following him more than the club would probably like.
(PHOTO: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)
Other issues with Diggs popped up throughout the season, with his tumultuous relationship with rapper Cardi B also being another distraction. Diggs fathered not only her child but was also involved with another woman who also gave birth to a child that is said to be Diggs’, which added another sidebar that played out publicly. The two apparently also had a falling-out after the Super Bowl, adding even more drama to that story.Given the investment, the return didn’t seem to be enough for the club to take the gamble on extending him. The fact Diggs is about to turn 33 also works against him, since the likelihood of him repeating what he did in 2025 is also lower. As would be the case in 2027 and beyond.For now, the Patriots will have to explore other options, which could include a possible trade with Philadelphia for A.J. Brown, with whom Vrabel has a history, having coached him in Tennessee, or potentially another move in free agency.Vrabel said last week that when it comes to finding a top target, finding one in free agency usually isn’t an option, and that the draft might be another avenue.“They’re not going to be there in free agency,” said Vrabel. “But you have to try to draft them. I think that’s where a lot of them are.”“You develop them. Some of them develop. Guys, that transition in that position from year one to year two can be pretty special.”
ð Questions Answered in This ArticleWhy did the Patriots release Stefon Diggs?The Patriots released Stefon Diggs likely due to his cap charge jumping from $10.5 million to $26.5 million in 2026. His postseason performance and ongoing off-field legal issues probably didn't help, with the Patriots making the decision to move on ahead of free agency.What were Stefon Diggs' stats in his lone season with the Patriots?In his lone season, Stefon Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was the first Patriots receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards since Julian Edelman in 2019.What off-field issues did Stefon Diggs face during his time with the Patriots?Diggs faced felony strangulation charges and a defamation lawsuit related to another former employee. His public relationship drama with rapper Cardi B also added to the distractions.
About Ian LogueIan Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.View all posts by Ian Logue
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