Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots
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Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots are looking to put together an offseason that will lead to one more step of success in 2026. After losing in the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks last season, Mike Vrabel’s team is so close to winning it all.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Patriots were forced to make a difficult roster move due to finances. They released veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs after a very successful first year with the franchise.
Diggs remains a free agent. There have been reports that New England would welcome him back at a lower dollar amount, but nothing has come of those reports yet.
With that being said, a nightmare scenario involving Diggs could become a reality for the Patriots. Diggs could end up signing with an AFC East division rival.
New England Patriots Could Lose Stefon Diggs to AFC East Rival
Which division rival could be emerging as a threat to sign Diggs? That team is none other than the Miami Dolphins.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has suggested them as a potential destination for Diggs.
After trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the Dolphins badly need wide receiver help. They signed quarterback Malik Willis to a lucrative three-year, $67.5 million contract in free agency, but don’t have weapons for him to target.
That could lead to Miami pursuing Diggs as a potential No. 1 target for Willis.
Diggs is coming off of a 2025 NFL season with New England that saw him play in all 17 games. He caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
Those numbers show that the 32-year-old wide receiver is still capable of being a top target. Last season for the Patriots, he was exactly what rising star quarterback Drake Maye needed. Seeing him sign with the Dolphins would be painful.
Could the Patriots Actually Bring Diggs Back for 2026?
Bringing Diggs back remains a very real possibility for New England.
Depending on how his market shapes up, returning to the Patriots and remaining with a Super Bowl contender could be of interest to Diggs. He fit well in New England.
Whether or not the Patriots get priced out on Diggs remains to be seen. The fact that he hasn’t been scooped up yet gives New England hope that he could consider coming back.
Only time will tell as free agency moves forward. Miami is one team to watch as a threat to sign Diggs, but there are other teams around the NFL with needs at the wide receiver position. There is no timeline for a decision from Diggs either.
All that fans can do at this point in time is to wait patiently. Right now, there is no reason to give up on the dream of Diggs returning to the Patriots, even after the addition of former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs.