Stefon Diggs
Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
This offseason has been a very busy one for the Minnesota Vikings, with all sorts of transactions. They shored up big holes on the offensive line with the signings of Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, and doubled down on the defensive line, signing Javon Hargave and Jonathan Allen. They brought back a key cornerback, and also traded for a promising young running back.
Entering the offseason, we definitely thought that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would address the third wide receiver position. There were even a few really intriguing options on the market, such as Cooper Kupp. Ultimately, the Vikings passed up the chance at even some former players, and signed speedy receiver Rondale Moore.
Adam Thielen would have made some sense for the Vikings at wide receiver three, and certainly would’ve made fans happy. Stefon Diggs really never made sense as a fit at that same spot, and now he’s going to catch passes elsewhere after his short stop in Houston.
Minnesota Vikings hero Stefon Diggs heads to New England
Before the 2020 season the Minnesota Vikings sent Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. He wanted out, and Minnesota landed the draft pick that lead to Justin Jefferson as part of the compensation. After [ESPN Sources: Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs reached agreement on a three-year, $69 million deal including $26 million guaranteed with the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/jz9R3t4MQZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2025 ">four years playing with Josh Allen](http://
Last season Diggs played in just eight games before tearing his ACL. Now, he’s headed to be the New England Patriots top wide receiver option for second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
ESPN Sources: Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs reached agreement on a three-year, $69 million deal including $26 million guaranteed with the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/jz9R3t4MQZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2025
In eight games with Houston, Diggs posted 496 yards and three touchdowns. He hauled in 47 of 64 passes thrown in his direction, and he scored a rushing touchdown on three attempts. By all statistical measures, he was in line for a solid year with the Texans despite a crowded wide receiver room.
It took some time for Diggs to find a suitor on the open market, but the Patriots are among the most needy offensive teams in football. Last season, New England not only failed to have a 1,000 yard receiver, but tight end Hunter Henry led the offense with 674 yards.
A LIL SOMETHING SOMETHING 😮💨
📺: @NFLonCBS / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/eKUaaINdCs
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 29, 2024
Second year wide receiver Demario Douglas was the only wideout of note on roster before the signing, and he was a sixth round pick in 2023. Former Minnesota Vikings wideout K.J. Osborn signed with the Patriots last March, but tallied just 57 yards in seven games before being released.
Diggs earnings
The three year contract for Diggs is notable. Despite being 31 years old, the Patriots are banking on a clean bill of health as he returns from his knee injury. Just $26 million of the deal is guaranteed, but the $69 million bottom line is a sizable tally.
In his one season with Houston, Diggs earned just shy of $30 million. It was the biggest single-season payday of his career, and he has banked more than $137 million as a professional in total. Both Diggs and the Patriots would love to see a resurgence to form. His 1,535 yards in 2020 with the Buffalo Bills led the entire NFL.
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