New England Patriots expected to cut Stefon Diggs after 1,000-yard season
Patriots expected to cut Stefon Diggs after 1,000-yard season and Super Bowl appearance
The New England Patriots appear ready to move on from veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, despite the star pass catcher delivering a productive season and helping guide the franchise to Super Bowl LX.
According to reports, the Patriots plan to release Diggs when the new NFL league year officially begins on March 11. The move comes less than a year after the 32-year-old signed a three-year contract worth $63.5 million with New England during the previous offseason.
Diggs seemed to acknowledge the situation himself with an emotional Instagram Stories post thanking the organization and fans.
“THANK YOU for a hell of a year,” Diggs wrote alongside a photo of himself in a Patriots uniform. “We family forever.”
The decision signals another major chapter change in Diggs’ career, potentially sending him to a fourth NFL team in four seasons.
Stefon Diggs built an elite career across multiple teams
Diggs first entered the league after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Despite his late-round status, he quickly developed into a starting receiver and formed a dynamic duo alongside wideout Adam Thielen.
One of the most iconic moments of his early career came during the 2017 playoffs when Diggs caught the unforgettable “Minneapolis Miracle” touchdown pass that eliminated the New Orleans Saints.
After his time in Minnesota, Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, where he became the favorite target of quarterback Josh Allen.
In his first season with Buffalo, Diggs led the entire NFL with:
- 127 receptions
- 1,535 receiving yards
His dominance helped transform the Bills into a perennial AFC contender a
Productive season made Diggs a key piece of the Patriots offense
Despite being in the later stages of his career, Diggs remained one of the Patriots’ most reliable offensive weapons throughout the season.
He finished the year leading the team in several major receiving categories, including:
- 102 targets
- 85 receptions
- 1,013 receiving yards
The performance marked the seventh 1,000-yard season of his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most consistent wide receivers.
Diggs also played a critical role in the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who emerged as an MVP finalist during the season. His veteran presence provided stability to a Patriots receiving corps that had struggled to produce big numbers in recent years.
Throughout the season, Diggs served as Maye’s primary target in key situations and helped open the field for the rest of the offense.
That connection helped push New England through the playoffs and into Super Bowl LX, where they ultimately fell to the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California.
Even in the loss, Diggs contributed with three receptions for 37 yards on football’s biggest stage.
Salary cap concerns reportedly played a major role
While his cap hit was manageable at $10.5 million this past season, it was scheduled to jump dramatically to $26.5 million in 2026.
For a team trying to build around a young quarterback and retool its roster, that price tag may have been too steep — particularly for a veteran receiver in his early 30s.
Teams around the NFL often face similar decisions when balancing performance with long-term financial flexibility.
Releasing Diggs would give New England more room to reshape its roster heading into the next phase of the franchise’s rebuild.
Legal issues also complicate Diggs’ future in New England
Another factor that may have influenced the team’s decision involves Diggs’ ongoing legal situation.
The wide receiver is currently facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an alleged altercation with his personal chef in December 2025.
Diggs pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on February 13, just days after the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss.
An additional pre-trial hearing is scheduled for April 1. When asked about the situation during the NFL Scouting Combine, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the matter carefully.
“We’re going to let all that take care of itself,” Vrabel told reporters. “Then we’ll have to see what the judgments are in those particular cases.”
Although the legal process is still unfolding, the situation added another layer of uncertainty surrounding Diggs’ future with the organization.
Vrabel previously praised Diggs’ leadership and work ethic
What makes the decision particularly surprising is the praise Diggs received from the Patriots coaching staff throughout the year.
Vrabel recently highlighted Diggs’ professionalism and determination. Especially following his recovery from a torn ACL suffered during his time with the Houston Texans.
“He worked extremely hard in the time that he was rehabbing from the knee,” Vrabel said. “I think he was just a really good presence each and every week.”
Diggs’ ability to bounce back from that injury and still produce a 1,000-yard season demonstrated his resilience and dedication to the game. However, in the modern NFL, roster decisions are rarely based solely on performance.
Veteran stars being released isn’t new in the NFL
Diggs’ situation may feel surprising, but history shows that even legendary players can be released or moved when teams shift direction.
Several Hall of Fame and star players have experienced similar moments, including:
- Peyton Manning, released by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 before eventually winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos
- Emmitt Smith, released by the Dallas Cowboys after 13 seasons
- Jerry Rice, who departed the San Francisco 49ers late in his legendary career
- Randy Moss, who experienced multiple trades and releases across several teams
- Antonio Brown, whose off-field controversies led to abrupt departures from multiple franchises
These moves often mark the transition from one phase of a player’s career to another.
For Diggs, the next chapter could still include several productive seasons. Especially, depending on which team takes a chance on the veteran receiver.
What’s next for Diggs?
Even at 32, Diggs remains a highly productive receiver capable of stretching defenses and serving as a dependable target.
His track record — including multiple Pro Bowls, seven 1,000-yard seasons, and playoff experience — will likely attract interest from teams looking for a veteran playmaker.
If released as expected, Diggs will enter free agency with a résumé that still commands respect around the league. For now, Diggs continues to navigate what’s best when it comes to fatherhood and his career.