As expected, the New England Patriots moved on from wide receiver Stefon Diggs shortly after the end of the season. His contract structure allowed the Patriots to cut ties without any pullback, and his off-field drama certainly helped with that decision. His lack of production in the playoffs didn't do much to argue for a potential return.
However, that doesn't mean a return to Foxborough isn't on the cards. As reported by Patriots insider Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Patriots executive vice president Eliot Wolf isn't ruling out the possibility of a future that includes Diggs on New England's roster.
"I wouldn’t say the door is closed. We’re going to look through any way we possibly can to help improve the team."Eliot Wolf on Stefon Diggs
Although Wolf didn't say that a return was in the works, his wording makes it clear that Diggs' time with the Patriots might not be over after all.
Patriots Could Consider Re-Signing Stefon Diggs
Diggs comes with plenty of baggage and issues off the field. He's also not getting any younger, and he has a history of going M.I.A. at times. His base salary was slated to be $20.6 million in 2026, making it easy to see why New England could be interested in running things back at a much lower price.
The Patriots already brought a potential WR1 in Romeo Doubs, who just notched a career-high 724 receiving yards last season. He has never had a chance to be "the man" because of the Green Bay Packers' stacked wide receivers corps, which he now has with Drake Maye under center.
That said, adding another potential 800- to 1,000-yard receiver to the mix certainly won't hurt. If anything, Diggs' presence would only open more opportunities for a big-play threat like Doubs.
The Patriots have been linked to a potential trade for Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown, mainly due to his ties with head coach Mike Vrabel. Nevertheless, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is a tough bargain, and he may not change his stance on Brown, whereas turning back to Diggs could save some time, energy, and draft picks.
Diggs' complicated history and age make him a risky target for other teams, but the Patriots already know what they're dealing with. Sometimes it's best to roll with a known commodity rather than take a risk on an unknown.
A Return Only if the Price Is Right
Spotrac projects his market value at $13.8 million annually on a two-year contract, and that's more reasonable than what he was going to make before his release. A signing at that amount would leave the Patriots with $36.3 million in cap space (h/t OverTheCap) to upgrade their other areas of need.
Diggs is already familiar with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme and the AFC East, and with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in his first year. If he can keep his behavior in check, he could be well worth any new contract he signs.
Needless to say, Thursday's development is giving Patriots fans a lot to monitor as free agency rolls on.