If there has been one constant in the career of New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs' career it has been a consistent level of discontent. Whether with the Minnesota Vikings or Buffalo Bills, it didn't take long for rumors to start emerging of the receiver's frustrations and the possible problems it was causing within the offense. While the veteran's stop with the Houston Texans didn't feature this, it is difficult to have the time to grow frustrated in such a short tenure that was ended by injuries. However, if there was anything that was going to start the ball rolling in New England, it was the latest report about an attempted signing.
It seems Diggs wasn't the only injured receiver the team was targeting, with Chris Godwin being offered $30 million per season on a multi-year deal. Predictably, the veteran turned down the contract to stay in Tampa and continue his career for a team that he has helped define. However, the damage is potentially done when it comes to the team's relationship with Diggs. For a receiver who has an established history of being easily upset, this story is noteworthy.
Diggs Was Clearly the Patriots' Second Option Behind Star Receiver Chris Godwin
Bucs WR Chris Godwin told @danpompei that the Patriots offered $30 million per year on a multi-year deal. (And that the offer might’ve gotten bigger if they’d played the game.)
Godwin turned them down to stay in Tampa for $22m/year.
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) June 9, 2025
Offering Godwin $30 million per year is far more than Diggs' contract offers in any of the three seasons. Not only do the Patriots have an easy out, but the team also made the total value of the contract $69 million, not getting anywhere close to what they reportedly offered Godwin. It is enough for the receiver to take offense, depending on how the news hits the veteran.
For New England, it is a savvy move that allows the team the chance to find quarterback Drake Maye a true number one option. If things become uncomfortable, the Patriots can easily escape the deal after this season. What the signing really equals out to is a one-year deal with team options each of the following two seasons. Adding in heavy incentives, the Patriots protected the franchise against the signing being a potential bust.
Even if things don't work out as the team believes they will, there is an easy escape hatch, and New England can go back to the drawing board.
For Godwin, it is perhaps a good decision to stay in Tampa Bay in a far easier division with a quarterback you already have an established history. However, this doesn't make the news any easier for Patriots fans to swallow, imagining just how perfect Godwin would have been as Maye's primary veteran target. No question, things are already off to an interesting start with Diggs and promise an entertaining 2025 season.
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