He revived the Patriots’ offense. He helped power a Super Bowl run.
Now Stefon Diggs might be fighting for his job in New England.
That’s how ruthless the NFL can be.
Stefon Diggs’ Future in Doubt: Patriots Facing $26.5M Decision on Star Receiver
Stefon Diggs was supposed to be the missing piece.
When the New England Patriots signed him last March to a three-year, $63.5 million deal, the message was clear: give Drake Maye a true weapon and reset a struggling receiver room.
It worked.
Diggs became the first Patriot to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards since Julian Edelman in 2019. He provided veteran leadership. He stabilized the passing game. He helped Maye blossom into an MVP candidate and fueled a surprise run to Super Bowl LX.
But in the NFL, gratitude doesn’t pay the salary cap.
In 2026, Diggs enters his age-33 season — and his contract suddenly looks massive.
His base salary jumps from $2.9 million in 2025 to $20.6 million in 2026 and 2027. His cap hit? A hefty $26.5 million in each of the next two seasons.
For a team with roughly $40.5 million in cap space, that number looms large.
If the Patriots release Diggs before June 1, they’d clear $16.8 million in cap space (with $9.7 million in dead money). Combine that with their current room, and New England would suddenly hold over $57 million in flexibility — top-10 money league-wide.
That kind of cap space changes everything.
It could fund roster upgrades across multiple positions. It could secure long-term weapons for Maye. It could reshape the offense for the next five years instead of the next one.
And there’s another complication.
Diggs is currently dealing with off-field legal issues after pleading not guilty to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges tied to an alleged dispute with a former personal chef. While the case is ongoing, any uncertainty adds risk to a massive financial commitment.
Still, cutting Diggs isn’t a slam dunk.
He’ll be another year removed from his ACL tear. There’s a real argument he could perform even better in 2026. And leadership like his isn’t easily replaced.
But the playoffs revealed cracks.
In the Super Bowl loss to Seattle, Diggs managed just three catches for 37 yards. Throughout the postseason, he averaged only 27.5 receiving yards per game. When defenses tightened, New England lacked a dominant, game-breaking No. 1 target.
The Patriots must now ask a brutal question:
Is Diggs still that guy?
Or was 2025 the final peak?
If He’s Released, The Line Will Form Quickly
Diggs wouldn’t sit on the market long.
Denver Broncos — He nearly signed there last offseason and has ties to Sean Payton’s system. Denver is hunting for a weapon opposite Courtland Sutton.
Tennessee Titans — Armed with over $100 million in cap space, Tennessee could pair Diggs with Cam Ward, hoping to replicate what he did for Maye.
Los Angeles Chargers — With nearly $83 million available and questions around Keenan Allen’s future, Justin Herbert could use a polished veteran target.
San Francisco 49ers — With turnover looming in their receiver room, Diggs fits a win-now approach under Kyle Shanahan.
Pittsburgh Steelers — DK Metcalf needs help, and Pittsburgh’s receiver production behind him was thin.
There will be no shortage of suitors.
The real decision rests in Foxborough.
Do the Patriots bet on continuity and leadership at a premium price?
Or do they pivot toward youth, flexibility, and a long-term plan around Drake Maye?
The numbers are cold. The cap is unforgiving. And sentiment rarely wins these battles.
Stefon Diggs helped bring New England back to relevance.
Now the Patriots must decide if he’s part of their future — or just part of their comeback story.
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