The New England Patriots have been one of the most active teams this offseason with Mike Vrabel at the helm. They had the most cap space available in the league and they made sure to spend it accordingly.
One of their biggest additions was WR Stefon Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million deal. He gives Drake Maye and the Patriots offense a true No. 1 WR they were missing. It was recently revealed that Diggs will wear No. 8, which was most recently worn by LB Ja'Whaun Bentley.
New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs is wearing number 8. Last assigned to Ja'Whaun Bentley. #NEPats pic.twitter.com/RC0FNcDYoe
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) April 8, 2025
Stefon Diggs Will Wear No. 8 in New England
With Diggs taking Bentley's previous number, it looks like the door may have officially closed on the potential of him coming back to Foxborough.
Bentley donned the No. 8 for the past four seasons and was a mainstay in the middle of Pats defense. He spent the past seven seasons with New England before getting cut by the team in March. During his time there, he was a team captain, logging 100-plus tackles from 2021-2023.
In free agency, New England signed LB Robert Spillane, joining Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, and Jahlani Tavai in that room. The Pats didn't have a need for Bentley anymore and with them giving up his former number to Diggs, it looks like they have no intention to bring him back.
As for Diggs, this is the first time he'll ever No. 8. During his college and NFL career thus far, he has only worn No. 1 or No. 14. With a new chapter taking place with the Pats, Diggs is going with a different look.
Although Diggs tore his ACL last October, his rehab has gone extremely well up to this point. In his 10-year career, Diggs has compiled 857 receptions for 10,491 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns. New England is banking on him helping this offense get to new heights in 2025.