He helped bring the Patriots back to the Super Bowl.
But just one year later, Stefon Diggs’ future in New England is suddenly anything but secure.

Why the Patriots Could Shockingly Move On From Stefon Diggs This Offseason

When the New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs last offseason, it felt like a gamble.

The veteran wide receiver was coming off a torn ACL. He was entering his 30s. And the Patriots handed him a three-year, $63.5 million deal anyway.

It paid off — immediately.

Diggs delivered 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns, becoming the Patriots’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. More importantly, he became the go-to weapon for quarterback Drake Maye, who blossomed into an MVP-caliber star in his second season.

New England won the AFC East.

They returned to the Super Bowl.

The move worked.

So why is Diggs now a potential cap casualty?

The $26.5 Million Question

In 2026, Diggs carries a $26.5 million cap hit.

That number looms large.

According to reports from MassLive’s Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian, the Patriots could save up to $20.8 million if they release Diggs with a post-June 1 designation.

That’s not minor flexibility.

That’s franchise-shaping flexibility.

The NFL’s salary cap has risen to $301.2 million for 2026, and the Patriots currently sit at $37.44 million in available cap space. Cutting or restructuring Diggs would dramatically expand their financial maneuverability.

And there’s a ticking clock.

Diggs is owed $6 million in guarantees on March 13. If the Patriots want maximum leverage, they’ll likely decide before then.

Restructure or Release?

According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, one league source believes New England will cut Diggs if they can’t significantly lower his cap hit through restructuring.

That’s the key word: significantly.

At 32 years old, Diggs remains productive — but receivers in their early 30s rarely become cheaper as time passes.

The Patriots must decide whether to:

Keep paying premium dollars for a proven veteran
Rework the deal to reduce long-term risk
Or pivot entirely

And there’s another layer to consider.

The Off-Field Factor

Diggs is currently facing strangulation and assault charges. He pleaded not guilty earlier this month and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in April.

While the legal process plays out, the situation adds uncertainty.

Franchises often weigh not only production but also availability, risk, and public optics when making high-dollar decisions.

It’s not the sole factor.

But it is part of the equation.

The A.J. Brown Domino

If New England moves on from Diggs, a bold replacement option could emerge.

Eagles receiver A.J. Brown has been mentioned in trade discussions, and his connection to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel — dating back to their time together in Tennessee — makes the pairing intriguing.

Brown has recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, even amid inconsistency in Philadelphia’s passing game.

If the Patriots believe Drake Maye is ready to compete annually for championships, swapping Diggs for a younger, long-term WR1 could make strategic sense.

It would also signal a clear direction: build around Maye’s prime, not patchwork solutions.

The Risk of Walking Away

Of course, cutting Diggs would not come without consequences.

He was the Patriots’ most reliable receiver.

He was instrumental in their return to contention.

He provided leadership and immediate chemistry with Maye.

Letting him go would create a void — both statistically and culturally.

But cap flexibility fuels roster construction.

And championship windows close quickly in the NFL.

The Verdict

Stefon Diggs was exactly what New England needed in 2025.

But the Patriots are now facing a cold, calculated decision.

Is he still worth $26.5 million in 2026?

If they can restructure, he likely stays.

If not?

The Patriots may shock the league — and move on from the very player who helped bring them back to prominence.

March 13 could decide everything.