It’s been exactly four months since the New England Patriots released their 2025 receiving leader, Stefon Diggs, and the veteran remains unsigned as training camp approaches for most franchises in two weeks.
Even though Diggs’ previously pending assault case was resolved in his favor in early May, no deal has materialized for the 32-year-old yet.
Calls for a reunion have surfaced among Patriots fans on social media over the last two months, after a season with New England where Diggs became the team’s
first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 and helped lead a revitalized offense to a Super Bowl appearance.
But New England doesn’t appear to be actively entertaining that idea.
Patriots seem content with their current WR core
Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked during mandatory minicamp if the team had considered bringing Diggs back. His response indicated that the coaching staff is comfortable with the current makeup of the wide receiver corps.
“I think we’re probably at the number that we would need right now,” Vrabel said on June 10. “I wouldn’t say anything is off the table. We’d want to add anybody that can help us. I’m not going to give a percentage on it, but I think we’re happy with where we’re at right now, with the numbers and the people in the receiver room.”
Following the championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks — where the Patriots receivers only totaled 60 yards at the commencement of the third quarter — team brass decided to upgrade at the position this offseason.
New England began by signing Romeo Doubs to a multi-year deal in free agency after releasing Diggs. It was also willing to depart from a 2028 first-round pick to acquire A.J. Brown, illustrating its commitment to rebuilding the position’s production through a different approach compared to 2025.
Diggs would step into a smaller role in 2026
Behind the duo atop the depth chart, Brown and Doubs, the Patriots still boast plenty of pieces that make up a very deep receiver room, including Mack Hollins, quarterback Drake Maye’s favorite deep threat Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round draft selection Kyle Williams. All four pass-catchers played a role in helping Maye propel the team to the Super Bowl after a previous 4-13 season.
Among that group, Douglas looks poised to reclaim the primary slot role in 2026 after an impressive spring, during which he was a main contributor on offense.
“I think second year in the system, you even see more confidence,” wide receivers coach Todd Downing said during minicamp of Douglas’ growth. “Just a little pep in his step being around us and being comfortable with us, being who he is and letting his personality be out there and energetic. And that’s something that is awesome to have as a coach.
“But secondly, I would say he’s really doing a good job with decision-making routes. So, if there’s a decision to be made, whether it’s a choice route or a post or a cross, he’s making decisions quickly and correctly. And that’s a really valuable piece of this offense.”
As the top receiver last season, Diggs amassed 102 targets. Returning to a crowded room would limit the veteran’s role compared to 2025, with the team turning its attention toward younger talent.
New England has needs in other areas
Additionally, Diggs is coming off a resurgent season after an ACL tear, in which he proved he’s still a substantially impactful receiver, meaning he could command similar or higher pay than he earned in 2025. The former All-Pro earned roughly $19.8 million last season from his heavily incentivized three-year, $63.5 million contract.
The Patriots have already invested significant resources into their wide receiver grouping, currently allocating just under $35.6 million to the position, per Spotrac, which accounts for just over 10% of the team’s cap spending. They also parted ways with a future first-round pick.
Re-signing Diggs would add to that total while New England is currently battling uncertainty on the defensive edge and at tight end.
Veteran edge-setter Harold Landry and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas each have yet to practice with the team this offseason. Landry is rehabbing from a knee surgery, whereas Jacas has yet to sign his rookie contract and has not appeared at practice on the sidelines since May 9 during rookie minicamp.
With Jacas missing crucial time in his rookie development, 2025 undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder currently leads an unproven group behind Dre’Mont Jones.
Furthermore, free-agency acquisition Julian Hill suffered a season-ending injury during a spring practice and was correspondingly placed on the season-ending injured reserve. Vrabel hinted at adding more tight-end depth to the roster during minicamp in June.
Given New England’s needs elsewhere, Vrabel and Co. may be focusing their remaining resources on other uses than another major investment at wide receiver.
