The New England Patriots have moved on from Stefon Diggs, and quarterback Drake Maye’s emotional reaction says a lot about how much the veteran receiver meant to the team. 💔🏈

Drake Maye Reacts to Patriots Releasing Stefon Diggs

The New England Patriots’ decision to release Stefon Diggs after just one season sparked a heartfelt reaction from quarterback Drake Maye.

Shortly after the news broke, Maye shared an Instagram story featuring a photo of himself and Diggs smiling at each other, accompanied by a simple heart emoji.

The post reflected the strong connection the two built during their lone season together in New England.

A Productive Partnership

Despite only playing together for one season, Diggs quickly became Maye’s top target.

During the 2025 season, Diggs finished with:

85 receptions
1,013 receiving yards
4 touchdowns

He led the Patriots in both catches and receiving yards while helping the team make a deep playoff run that ended in Super Bowl LX.

Why the Patriots Made the Move

Diggs originally signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with New England last offseason.

However, releasing him allows the Patriots to avoid paying a $6 million roster bonus that would have been triggered on March 13.

The decision appears to be part of a broader roster and salary-cap reset as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

A Difficult Year Off the Field

While Diggs remained productive on the field, his season in New England also included several off-field controversies.

Among them:

A viral video from a boat party before the season
An assault charge involving his personal chef in December
A high-profile breakup with rapper Cardi B after the Super Bowl

Those issues likely factored into the team’s decision to move on from the veteran wide receiver.

Diggs Says Goodbye

Diggs also responded to the news on social media, thanking the Patriots organization and fans.

“THANK YOU for a hell of a year. We family forever.”

His message suggests the veteran receiver still values his time in New England despite the sudden departure.

What’s Next for Diggs?

Now 32 years old, Diggs enters free agency once again.

Potential landing spots could include teams searching for an experienced wide receiver, such as:

New York Giants
Tennessee Titans

However, analysts believe Diggs may need to wait until the second wave of free agency before signing his next contract.