Stefon Diggs entered the season as the Patriots’ unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver. Even though he was unable to finish last season due to a torn ACL, the team signed him to a three-year deal worth $69 million, showing plenty of confidence in a bounce-back year.
Although Diggs’ best days are behind him, the four-time Pro Bowler was signed to help lead an otherwise young and inexperienced receiver room. Unfortunately, he has yet to live up to the lofty expectations of his contract through three games.
Diggs is still searching for rhythm ahead of Week 4, with 13 catches but no trips to the end zone. Additionally, his 37.3 yards per game would mark a career low for the 11-year pro. Some Patriots fans are ready to throw in the towel; however, Diggs' track record of elite production shows that it is only a matter of time before he turns things around.
Patriots Can't Give Up on Stefon Diggs Yet
Diggs deserves the benefit of the doubt after being one of the NFL's best wideouts of the last decade. He topped 1,000 yards and six-plus touchdowns every season from 2018 to 2023, and was on pace to do so with the Houston Texans before his season ended after eight games.
Diggs insists he feels great, crediting a proactive ‘pre-hab’ routine to stay healthy and confident coming off last year’s ACL injury, per CBS News' Matt Geagan.
"I feel great, actually. I'm trying to stay feeling great -- knock on wood... Each and every day, I do a lot of exercising and rehab, or pre-hab. I call it pre-hab because I don't have anything wrong with me, and I'm just trying to stay on top of it and be more proactive rather than reactive. Things have been going good. Fingers crossed, knock on wood. Wish me some luck. Just trying to keep it going"Stefon Diggs, Patriots WR
Assuming what he's saying is true, there's no reason to doubt Diggs' ability to get back on track.
A healthy Diggs is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and a matchup nightmare. As he continues his recovery from last season’s major injury and gains trust with quarterback Drake Maye, it is only a matter of time before his production begins to take off and he takes over as the number one option.
For a Patriots team searching for consistency, a full-strength Diggs will open up opportunities for the offense, helping them reach the ceiling they envisioned when they signed him in March.