The Patriots released wide receiver Stefon Diggs in early March, but he may not have played his last down in their uniform. Still a free agent two months later, Diggs “would love” to re-sign with the Patriots, per Albert Breer of SI.com
While Breer is also of the belief the Patriots “love” Diggs, he notes a reunion could depend on whether they acquire wideout A.J. Brown from the Eagles. It is widely expected the two teams will swing a trade centering on Brown sometime after June 1, though they have not yet seen eye to eye on compensation.
The Eagles would spread $43.51MM in dead money over two years by moving Brown next month or later, whereas a pre-June 1 trade would force them to eat the entire amount this season. They would also lose over $20MM in cap space for 2026. That explains the delay in this months-long saga.
Brown is one of the greatest receivers in Eagles history, but their offseason moves have seemingly prepared them for life without the three-time Pro Bowler. General manager Howie Roseman moved up three spots in the first round of the draft to select former USC star receiver Makai Lemon 20th overall. Roseman also acquired Dontayvion Wicks from the Packers for two late-round picks and then immediately gave him a one-year, $12.5MM extension. The Lemon and Wicks pickups came after the Eagles signed Marquise Brown and Elijah Moore in free agency. Moore is not a lock to make the roster, but Lemon, Wicks, Brown and standout DeVonta Smith are in line for notable roles. The Eagles also have a strong pair of pass-catching tight ends in Dallas Goedert and second-round rookie Eli Stowers.
Smith would take over as the Eagles’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver in the event of a Brown trade. Meanwhile, unless they reel in Brown, the Patriots may go into the season without a bona fide top dog at the position. They brought in one of Wicks’ former teammates, Romeo Doubs, on a four-year, $68MM pact in free agency, though he was more of a No. 2/3 receiver in Green Bay than a primary target. The Patriots also have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams under contract at the position.
The Pats’ current group of receivers looks adequate, but Diggs handily outproduced all of them last season. Returning from the torn ACL he suffered while with the Texans in October 2024, the four-time Pro Bowler played a 17-game season and was far and away the team leader in catches (85), targets (102) and yards (1,013). He also hauled in four touchdowns from MVP-contending quarterback Drake Maye. Diggs’ post-injury resurgence was key for a club that stunningly jumped from 4-13 to 14-3 in a one-year span. The Patriots won the AFC East, ending the Bills’ five-year run atop the division, and wound up falling to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
A month after their season ended, the Patriots parted with Diggs to save $18.5MM in spending room, though he still counts $9.7MM against their cap. Thanks in part to off-field legal troubles, there has been little to no reported interest in the 32-year-old since he became available.
Diggs entered free agency facing strangulation and assault charges stemming from an alleged incident with his former personal chef. Although a Boston jury acquitted Diggs on May 5, the NFL is continuing to review the matter. Diggs is arguably the best remaining receiver in a class that also includes the likes of Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel and Keenan Allen, but his market may not pick up until teams have an answer on whether the league will discipline him. It would also help Diggs’ cause to have clarity on Brown’s future.
At least the Pats can use a potential Diggs signing as leverage in bargaining with the Eagles.
Pats: “Y’know, we don’t NEED Brown. We can circle back to Diggs.”
Eagles: “HA HA HA HA HA HA!” (click)
I don’t think you’re giving Howie enough credit here. If the Pats have a handshake for a 2027 #3 (conditional) and 2028 #1? You think they’ll given them bargain basement reduction? Nah.
I guarantee the compensation for AJ Brown to the Patriots is agreed to. There’s no more shopping him around or haggling over the terms.
The only thing that would upset the apple cart is if something crazy happened like Brown got in a severe car accident or tore his ACL or achilles, or something like that, while working out.
The only reason the deal can’t be finalized is because the Eagles need to wait until after June 1 to spread out the cap hit to an additional year.
I’m mystified by why the Pats would trade for Brown. When he wants to be, he’s great. But he wore out his welcome in Tn with his behind the scenes whining to the press and has been the same kind of complainer in Philly. If they get him, it’ll be the same petulant sideline tantrums as he’s done before. I don’t understand why a young, on the verge team would want that.
Absolutely not a complainer until this year, and he wasn’t the only one. I firmly believe this is a salary cap move as those future void years disappear and they can afford Carter at a massive number in 28,29
Hopefully Eagles trade him elsewhere and Patriots are dumb enough to bring back this troubled ahole.
He’s only been the best WR in franchise history, arguably, and grumbled one season and never stopped playing but sure. Call him names. You give the Eagles fanbase a bad name.
Wow I totally misread your post. I take that back.
It’s just astonishing that players would love to re-sign with their former team when nobody else is expressing any interest 🙂
Diggs will get on an NFL roster, his numbers were very good last year. When the Pats get Brown they won’t need Diggs. Raiders could use him as none of their WRs scare anyone. Mendoza needs some reliable hands in the WR room.
And until Mendoza takes over, I think Diggs and Nailor should do very well reuniting with Kirk Cousins.
Completely unrealistic but if they cut a bunch of those receivers and a couple other guys then maybe have both Brown and Diggs plus Doubs that’s one of the best WR trios in the league.
If it doesn’t work out, which it looks like it won’t, there are plenty of places to go. Others have mentioned Vegas. Pretty much every team in the NFC South could use Diggs. There are options, with the acquittal in the rear view.
Or what if they were able to add both Brown and Diggs on the same team and trade an excess guy like Douglas?
That won’t happen since Diggs is the new Antonio Brown but I definitely can see Maye winning MVP with AJ
Looking forward to what the Pats can do when they’re not playing the weakest schedule in the NFL
No word on whether Cardi B has fully reconciled with Stefon Diggs.