During media availability on Thursday, Patriots personnel executive Eliot Wolf didn't rule out a reunion with recently released receiver Stefon Diggs. But after reading some of Wolfe's other remarks from the availability, Diggs might have no interest in re-signing with New England -- if he ever had any in the first place.
Wolf was asked to explain the Patriots' reasoning for releasing Diggs after he led the team in receptions (85) and yards (1,013) last season. The executive vice president of player personnel offered a mostly boilerplate answer, aside from one notable detail.
"Just a variety of factors, looking at financials, ability ... nothing but respect for Stefon," Wolf, who also called Diggs a "warrior," told reporters, via NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry.
Yeah, that "ability" comment likely won't sit well with Diggs, who was New England's clear No. 1 receiver during its run to Super Bowl LX.
Diggs likely will point toward his strong stats, which were undeniably impressive for a 32-year-old coming off a torn ACL, as evidence of his considerable "ability." And that's fair.
However, it's also true that Diggs was limited against better defenses, especially during the playoffs, and struggled to gain separation against high-end defensive backs. He remains an above-average receiver, but there's no denying his declining ability, which the Patriots surely factored in when deciding to release him.
Nevertheless, the Patriots replaced Diggs with former Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs, who could be an upgrade. They also reportedly remain interested in pursuing a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown.
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