Trending Now - Patriots Seek New Receivers Following Diggs' Departure
WHO:
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver for the New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel, head coach of the New England Patriots
Eliot Wolf, executive vice president of player personnel for the New England Patriots
Drake Maye, quarterback for the New England Patriots
A.J. Brown, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles
Alec Pierce, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts
Kayshon Boutte, wide receiver for the New England Patriots
Mack Hollins, wide receiver for the New England Patriots
DeMario "Pop" Douglas, wide receiver for the New England Patriots
Josh Ritter, criminal defense attorney
WHAT:
The New England Patriots are expected to release Stefon Diggs after the start of the 2026 league year on March 11, 2026.
Diggs signed a three-year contract worth $69 million with the Patriots in March 2025.
In the 2025 season, Diggs had 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
During the Patriots' postseason run to Super Bowl LX, Diggs had 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown.
Diggs faces felony strangulation and other charges stemming from an incident with his personal chef in December 2025.
Diggs pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 1, 2026.
The Patriots will save $16.8 million against the salary cap with Diggs' release.
Diggs' salary cap charge was set to rise from $10.5 million to $26.5 million for the 2026 season.
The Patriots have 11 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, with their top pick at 31st overall.
WHERE:
Foxborough, Massachusetts (home games for the New England Patriots)
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Santa Clara, California (location of Super Bowl LX)
Indianapolis, Indiana (home of the Indianapolis Colts)
WHEN:
Diggs was arraigned on February 13, 2026.
The Patriots fell to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 13, 2026.
The new league year begins on March 11, 2026.
The pretrial hearing for Diggs is scheduled for April 1, 2026.
WHY:
The decision to release Diggs was influenced by his rising salary cap charge and the perception within the organization that he may be a declining player.
The Patriots needed to address the wide receiver position, which was already a pressing need.
HOW:
The Patriots informed Diggs of their decision to release him, allowing for the possibility of a trade before the official release.
The team is exploring options to replace Diggs, including potential trades for A.J. Brown and signing free agents like Alec Pierce.
The New England Patriots are expected to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs after the start of the league year on March 11, following his recent legal troubles and a significant rise in his salary cap charge. Diggs, who signed a three-year contract worth $69 million last March, had a solid performance during the 2025 season, but the team is now looking to address their wide receiver needs and save $16.8 million against the cap. Meanwhile, Diggs faces felony charges stemming from an incident with his personal chef and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 1.