The NFL offseason may have been full of excitement, but it seems like all of that excitement has blended into an overall “blur” with how the media is handling this year’s offseason. A major player got released from the league, a credible reporter became trending, and there are no longer any discussions about what routes players run and what touchdowns they score.
It can be said that the timing makes things messy as well. Teams were finalizing their rosters, and suddenly, there were plenty of stories breaking regarding players who were involved in some serious off-field issues, causing multiple big-name players to be placed in the same media spotlight at the same time.
Stefon Diggs Rumors Involving Dianna Russini Surface After New England Patriots Release
Report: A.J. Brown Trade Rumor Heats Up After Stefon Diggs Release
Report: A.J. Brown Trade Rumor Heats Up After Stefon Diggs Release (Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
As of April 9, 2026, Stefon Diggs has been at the center of viral speculation claiming he expressed personal interest in NFL insider Dianna Russini shortly before his release from the New England Patriots.
TRENDING: WR Stefon Diggs reportedly expressed feelings of interest towards NFL reporter Dianna Russini shortly before getting cut by Patriots HC Mike Vrabel. pic.twitter.com/nE9SUIgX6m
— NFL Drop (@TheNFLDrop) April 9, 2026
Let’s break the timeline. Diggs and Russini had several professional interactions during the 2025 season. She interviewed him during the preseason and later featured him on her “Scoop City” show. All standard. Nothing unusual until on March 30, 2026, when reports surfaced online suggesting Diggs may have shown interest beyond professional boundaries.
Then came the roster move. In March 2026, the Patriots, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, decided to move on from Diggs. The reason was financial. His cap hit was set to jump to $26.5 million, making the decision more about numbers than production.
However, the internet did not keep it that simple. The situation escalated when a separate controversy involving Russini and Vrabel went viral. Photos of the two holding hands and hugging at an Arizona hotel surfaced on April 7, 2026, adding fuel to an already chaotic narrative. Both dismissed the moment as completely innocent; however, by then, the story had already taken off.
Now, here is the key point: There is zero confirmed connection between Diggs’ reported interest and his release. Sources from the league have regularly indicated that salary cap implications are the primary reason for the release, but the historical context of the events has led to continued speculation about both occurring simultaneously.
At the same time, there is no evidence that Diggs has faded as an on-field performer this year. Despite turning 32 during the 2025 season, Diggs still managed to record 1,013 receiving yards and remain a trusted target for Drake Maye during that period. That production is why teams are still watching closely.
On April 9, 2026, Diggs is a free agent and could join teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, or Kansas City Chiefs. Though he no longer commands a market that would be considered ‘top-tier’, his potential still appeals to teams looking to contend for championships.
While Diggs’ next destination has yet to be decided, two factors will influence where he goes: how information regarding his current situation is evaluated by prospective teams, and how quickly the media attention related to his situation diminishes. Because right now, this is not just about football but about perception, and in the NFL, that can matter just as much as production.