Despite quickly emerging as a fan-favorite in his lone season with the New England Patriots, the franchise cut ties with star receiver Stefon Diggs just days before the start of free agency. Although moving on from the four-time Pro Bowler was a difficult decision, it was one they had to make, as Diggs had a $26.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
Additionally, the move freed up $16.8 million in cap space (h/t @MySportsUpdate), which helped them land his ultimate replacement, Romeo Doubs. While Doubs will be tasked to handle much of the workload, he alone cannot fill Diggs’ production. The Patriots will have to rely on the rest of the receiving corps to step up if they’re to replicate similar success from last year.
This creates a clear opportunity for Kyle Williams to emerge as a key contributor for the Patriots.
Kyle Williams is Poised for a Bigger Patriots Role
Even though Williams played just 336 offensive snaps, he made the most of his limited opportunity, logging 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Despite this, the third-round selection out of Washington State had an encouraging rookie season. He displayed flashes of his ability to stretch the field with his explosive speed, averaging 20.9 yards per reception.
Now with Diggs gone, there are a significant number of targets to grab. While Williams is in line to see a notable increase in his workload, he’ll have to earn his reps by displaying his growth in the offseason. That includes checking off his to-do list given to him by head coach Mike Vrabel and the offensive coaches.
According to MassLive’s Patriots reporter Karen Guregian, one of the areas Williams identified for improvement is his route-running. While Williams was able to create separation with his speed, he rarely did so because of his route-running. Even though speed can get you open, route-running is what keeps you open, which Diggs excelled at.
By far, Diggs was the Patriots’ best route-runner and the only receiver who could consistently create separation. Replacing this void will be tough, which is why Williams must refine his route-running. Looking at the Patriots' current receivers, he’s one of the few players who is capable of playing out wide and in the slot like Diggs.
Besides him and Doubs, the Patriots currently have Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III, Jeremiah Webb, and John Jiles as their receivers. Boutte and Hollins primarily played on the outside, while Douglas played the majority of his snaps in the slot. Chism has seen limited action, playing 91 snaps, while Webb and Jiles have yet to play a snap.
With some roles already established and other players still unproven, Williams has a clear runway for reps behind Doubs. While Patriots fans would much rather have the team bring A.J. Brown aboard, there is plenty of optimism for what Williams can bring in 2026, especially with Vrabel expressing his excitement.
If Williams can take the next step forward and sharpen his overall game, he’ll quickly become the receiver the Patriots envisioned when they drafted him.