Stefon Diggs
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Stefon Diggs
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been released by the New England Patriots after one season, but could soon find his way back to the AFC East champions.
The Patriots parted ways with Diggs in a cap-saving move, just weeks after he helped push New England to a surprise Super Bowl appearance. Though Diggs had a strong season and helped quarterback Drake Maye make the leap to NFL star, he was also surrounded by off-the-field controversy and the uncertainty of a potential suspension.
Despite his abrupt exit, a top Patriots official said this week that the team could leave the door open for Diggs to return on a new contract.
Stefon Diggs Could Return to Patriots
Speaking to reporters this week, Patriots president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the team held open the possibility for Diggs to come back on a new contract.
“I wouldn’t say the door’s closed,” Wolf said, via SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit. “I mean, again, we’re gonna look through every way we possibly can to help improve the team.”
Wolf emphasized that cutting ties with Diggs was a financial decision, saying the veteran wide receiver was a good member of the team.
“Just a variety of factors,” Wolf said about the decision to release Diggs. “Looking at financials, ability, a lot of things go into this, and we have nothing but respect for Stefon. He was an absolute warrior for us, as I said to him multiple times after games, and just really appreciate all his contributions to the team.”
Wolf added that the team remains on good terms with Diggs, saying they stayed in contact with him to discuss his release from the team.
“We talked about a variety of options,” he said. “Ultimately, we decided to move forward, and we wish him nothing but the best. As we told him when we spoke to him, he was super classy. As we told him, any way we can help out we will.”
Stefon Diggs Could Face More Trouble
Diggs wore out his welcome with the Bills in the months leading up to the team’s decision to trade him in March 2024. The veteran wide receiver was seen growing visibly angry with quarterback Josh Allen during the team’s playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in early 2023, then spent months making cryptic posts hinting at discontentment with the team.
After one injury-shortened season with the Houston Texans, Diggs appeared to find a good home with the Patriots. He made 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns last season, though dropped off in the playoffs as the team struggled on offense.
Diggs found himself in trouble off the field, facing felony charges for allegedly assaulting a former personal chef in a dispute over pay. He also faced a civil lawsuit from a person who claims the receiver defamed him over a stolen vehicle.
Diggs could face a potential suspension from the NFL, which has the power to issue punishment to players accused of crimes, even if they are ultimately dropped.