Patriots survey results: Fans want to see this player replace Stefon Diggs

The New England Patriots made the decision to move off of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a release that will free up nearly $15 million in cap space in addition to $22.5 million in cash.

With the NFL’s legal tampering window opening on Monday afternoon, the Patriots are now on the hunt for an upgrade at wide receiver. The results of the latest SB Nation Reacts survey show that 54% of participants hope that upgrade is Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.

Projected to be the top wide receiver on the open market,

the 25-year-old Pierce has led the league in yards per reception the last two seasons. An elite deep threat, Pierce would be a perfect pair with Drake Maye and has room to grow.

While signing Pierce is on the table, 27% of participants preferred a trade for veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown. Additionally, 10% hoped for a different veteran addition, while 9% are looking to the NFL Draft in order to replace Diggs.

The comment section shows the main split between Pierce and Brown.

Gonzucla

AJ Brown or no one.

Cheky Patriots

Give me Pierce and use the draft cap to keep bringing in young talent, since we need to fill more positions.

bags368

Trick question: A healthy Brown is better than Diggs. A healthy Pierce needs other things to happen – like a real slot, and a LG and a blocking TE – then Mr. Pierce will be worth it – plus I want him because if you look at him really fast he looks like my elder son – although my son has lips and less muscles, but he’s the same size.

wrw921

Brown seemed to become a distraction last year and on a team that just won the SB, that’s troubling. Pierce had 47 receptions last year and that was a career high, also troubling. Seems like a risky proposition either way. I won’t be disappointed if the Pats pass on both of them. If I am forced to choose, I’d take Pierce, because he’s younger and might break out eventually. If they can get him in the 20 mil per range, OK. If Brown costs more than a day three pick or two, that’s just too much. Though the ‘26 draft isn’t that strong overall, it’s deep at WR. I think that’s the safest option.

WelshPatriot.

AJ Brown. Somehow! The writing is on the wall in exceedingly faint pencil

All in all, this week’s survey results look as follows:

As New England must replace the 1,000-yard size hole the Diggs release creates, other holes on the roster remain to be filled. Most fans are looking for improvements in the trenches with a pass rusher and offensive lineman — especially after the recent trade of Garrett Bradbury.

The Patriots will hope any additions and upgrades this offseason will help them get back to the Super Bowl. Currently on the FanDuel Sportsbook, they have the fourth-best odds to win the AFC next season — trailing just the Ravens, Bills, and Chargers.