The New England Patriots have spent the offseason making tweaks to the roster, and arguably the biggest change this offseason has been the release of Stefon Diggs. Just one year after signing the veteran wideout to a three-year, $69 million contract in free agency, the Patriots decided to cut him.
The Patriots will need to account for his 102 targets from last season, and receiver Kyle Williams could see more opportunities in 2026 as a result. Yes, the Patriots signed Romeo Doubs in free agency, and have been linked to Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown, but Williams would be an in-house option who can take a step in his sophomore season.
Kyle Williams Has Chance to Be a Weapon for Patriots Next Season
The Patriots clearly liked what Williams brought to the table, which is why they selected him with the No. 69 overall pick. Despite that, he struggled to get onto the field. Williams was fourth among New England receivers in total snaps (411), logging 10 catches for 209 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Eight players logged more catches, targets, and receiving yards than Williams, but when he got the ball in his hands, the former third-round pick was a big-play threat, averaging 20.9 yards per reception.
Coming into the league, Williams was known for his ability to create chunk plays. He also has some areas to work on, but being in the NFL for one year will give him time to hone in on and address those limitations.
NFL Network's Lance Zierlein wrote, "Williams will never be tabbed as 'sure-handed, ' but he can separate deep and create big plays, which could make the catch issues easier to swallow. He eliminates pursuit angles as a catch-and-run artist and gets respectful cushions, allowing for easy comeback throws. His lack of route-running fundamentals limit his tree, but that should be correctable with work."
In his limited chances in 2025, Williams already showed what he's best at. With the wideout entering his second year, there's certainly room for him to make strides. More targets are available, and Williams is a player who will get the opportunity to climb the depth chart this offseason. With Doubs and Kayshon Boutte currently the 1-2 punch at WR, the WR3 role is up for grabs, and Williams could snatch that job.
After being more of an afterthought as a rookie, the Washington State product could have the runway to a more prominent role in 2026 and provide the Patriots with another effective pass-catcher.
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