Stefon Diggs, Denver Broncos
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Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots looks on after defeating the Miami Dolphins.
The Denver Broncos are getting a do-over, and they did not have to gut their roster for it to fall into their laps. The New England Patriots are set to cut ties with Stefon Diggs.
Denver was one of two teams that were in the hunt for the Pro Bowl playmaker during the 2025 offseason. They fell short and ultimately came face-to-face with their target in the postseason, where their season came to an end.
However, new developments have reset the board, and the Broncos stand positioned to benefit.
Broncos Get Major Update on Free Agency Target Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs speaks to reporters.
GettyStefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots addresses the media.
The Broncos have spoken highly of their wide receiver corps, but their rumored actions over the past year tell a different tale about how head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton view the roster heading into the 2026 offseason.
That is where Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro, could y re-emerge.
He signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots in free agency during the 2025 offseason, helping them defeat the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
“The Patriots informed four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs they’re releasing him after the start of the league year next week, per sources,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported in a post on X on March 4.
Diggs and Co. defeated a Bo Nix-less Broncos team.
This offseason, the Broncos could circle back to a productive target to help Nix and, hopefully, take the next step, i.e., reaching the Super Bowl.
Diggs, 32, still profiles as a fine complement to Broncos WR1 Courtland Sutton. He offers more experience and reliability as a target than current supporting cast members Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin.
Broncos Lost Out 1st Time
Robert Griffin III blasted the Tennessee Titans for firing Mike Vrabel as the New England Patriots are Super Bowl bound to play against the Seattle Seahawks.
GettyHead coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots celebrates with Stefon Diggs #8 after a touchdown against the Houston Texans.
Diggs picked the Patriots over the Broncos largely because of his connection to New England’s Mike Vrabel, who recruited him out of high school. Diggs sent a video of himself running and cutting three months after tearing his ACL, proving he was ahead of schedule.
Vrabel and the Patriots pounced.
“It came down to the Broncos or Patriots,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on “TNF Tonight” in November 2025. “The Patriots signed up. A big-time leap of faith.”
Diggs, who posted 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns on 85 receptions during the 2025 regular season, noted that he was “close” to signing with the Broncos before deciding to link with Vrabel in New England.
The Broncos could follow through, thanks to Diggs’ connections to their coaching staff.
“Wow. Worth noting Stefon Diggs quite liked Denver as a landing spot in last year’s free agency — in large part because of Davis Webb, who he played with in Buffalo,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans posted on X in reaction to the news of the wideout’s newfound availability. “Webb, of course, is now the #Broncos’ play-caller.”
Diggs said he had a “good relationship” with Webb. Webb taught Diggs the offense when they were teammates on the Bills. He downplayed the hypothetical aspect of choosing the Patriots over the Broncos.
However, Diggs also spoke highly about Payton and Nix.
“I was just thinking about it overall,” Diggs told reporters in February before the Super Bowl. “I think Sean Payton–Bo Nix is a hell of a quarterback. But I think Sean Payton, I got a lot of respect for him as a play caller. He does all the right s*** all the time. So, it was more so like just they had a good situation. They had a great organization. Winning organization as well.”
Stefon Diggs a Polarizing Target
Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots
GettyStefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots looks on after a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The news of Diggs’ availability raised eyebrows around Broncos Country, including regarding his journeyman status at this point in his career and off-field legal issues.
Diggs pleaded not guilty to “felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef” in February, per ESPN’s News Services. Diggs has “categorically” denied the allegations.
He is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing on April 1.
It is the latest development for a player who is talented but has also drawn unwanted attention to himself. The Broncos must weigh all of it when deciding if another Diggs pursuit makes sense.