The New England Patriots severed ties with polarizing wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Wednesday after one eventful and chaotic season with the team.
Diggs found himself in legal trouble leading up to the Super Bowl, and he recently broke up with girlfriend Cardi B - something that put him under a microscope and brought about a lot of online criticism.
The 32-year-old Diggs was the perfect No. 1 target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, totaling 85 catches on 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. However in cutting him, the Pats saved a little over $16 million in cap space.
Diggs' release leaves a giant hole at wide receiver that needs addressing. But according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there's one free agent wideout the team is reportedly targeting.
"Per sources, the #Patriots have been in on the big names on the WR free-agent market next week and are believed to be prepared to spend big," Schultz wrote on X. "Alec Pierce is among the names they've been eyeing. The trade market is also an option."
Pierce had a breakout season last year, posting 47 receptions and 1,003 yards - both career highs - along with six touchdowns. The 25-year-old is set to get a massive pay raise.
Spotrac projects his market value at $20.2 million per season and it predicts he'll sign a four-year, $80.96 million contract.
With Diggs out of the picture, the Patriots are left with Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams as the top WRs left on the roster.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.