Even after the New England Patriots released him earlier in the offseason, there was still a possibility of them re-signing Stefon Diggs, especially if they didn't end up trading for A.J. Brown (spoiler alert: they did).
New England's Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, Eliot Wolf, didn't close the door on the possibility of the Maryland native returning even after cutting him. And Diggs was fantastic during his first season with the team (85 receptions, 1,013 yards, four touchdowns, and played all 17 games). He also played a big role in the development of Drake Maye and the rest of the receiving corps.
Diggs' time in New England was special, but it had to come to an end. And based on the latest updates, it seems like it did for good.
Stefon Diggs is continuing his NFL career back home
According to Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network, the 32-year-old is returning to the DMV area after signing with the Washington Commanders.
This is a good spot for Diggs. Obviously, he gets to go back home (ish), and he should be a fantastic complement alongside Terry McLaurin on the field. Plus, just as he was for Maye, Diggs should be a big help for their young quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
It might be easy to forget because of how poorly last season went for them (largely because of the injuries they dealt with for most of the season), but the Commanders were in the NFC Championship Game not even two years ago. They have a very young and talented roster, and adding someone like Diggs into the mix should help them move the needle a little bit more.
The Patriots will also be fine without Stefon Diggs
Diggs signing with Washington is a good move for him and the team, but the Patriots should also feel good about their receiving room even without him.
They don't need Diggs like they did last year. They finally have a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Brown (who is the best receiver they have had in years), a fantastic complement to him in Romeo Doubs (who will essentially be Diggs' replacement in the system), and Kayshon Boutte (assuming he stays) should be in line for a big jump.
Re-signing their former No. 1 receiver wouldn't have done either of them any favors, and this is a move that should work out in the end for both sides.
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