Wide receiver Stefon Diggs has signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the New England Patriots, including $26 million guaranteed. The deal marks a significant upgrade for the Patriots‘ receiving corps, which lacked a clear No. 1 target last season.
Key Details of the Signing:
- Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, joins the Patriots after spending one season with the Houston Texans and four with the Buffalo Bills.
- He suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 of the 2024 season, cutting short his Texans tenure with 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns.
- Prior to the injury, Diggs had six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (2018–2023) and averaged 101 receptions per year during that span.
Implications for the Patriots:
- The 31-year-old veteran provides quarterback Drake Maye with a proven deep threat and red-zone target.
- Despite the signing, analysts suggest the Patriots may still draft a receiver early in the 2025 NFL Draft, as Diggs is not a long-term solution.
- The Patriots’ 2024 receiver group ranked last in the NFL with just 1,723 combined receiving yards.
Grade: B+ (High-risk, high-reward move that could pay off if Diggs stays healthy)
The Upside (A-)
- Immediate WR1 Impact: Diggs gives the Patriots their first true No. 1 receiver since Randy Moss. Even at 31, his route-running and contested-catch ability are elite.
- Maye’s Best Friend: A polished veteran like Diggs is the perfect security blanket for rookie QB Drake Maye, helping accelerate his development.
- Division Knowledge: His insider intel on the Bills (and Jets/Dolphins) could provide a tactical edge in must-win AFC East games.
The Risks (B-)
- Health Concerns: Coming off an ACL tear (Week 7, 2024), his explosiveness and durability are question marks. If he loses a step, the $26M guaranteed becomes an overpay.
- Age & Decline: His 2024 stats (496 yards in 7 games) were his weakest since Minnesota. The Patriots are betting he still has Pro Bowl-caliber years left.
- Locker Room Fit: Diggs’ past frustrations in Buffalo resurfacing could disrupt a young Patriots squad if losses pile up.
The Verdict
This is a smart, aggressive move for a team starving for offensive firepower—but with clear risk. If Diggs stays healthy, he transforms New England’s offense into a playoff contender. If not, the Patriots are stuck with an expensive short-term rental.
The signing of Stefon Diggs by the New England Patriots carries both promise and peril. While his reported “ahead of schedule” ACL recovery suggests he could be ready for Week 1, the Patriots are banking on a 31-year-old receiver returning to form after a major injury—a risk underscored by his declining efficiency (62.0 yards/game in 2024, his lowest since 2018). His ability to mentor rookie QB Drake Maye and revive the NFL’s worst 2024 receiving corps (1,723 yards) hinges on his health.