The New England Patriots are releasing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, their top pass-catcher from last season, to navigate his ongoing legal issues and to free up significant salary cap space. Diggs, 32, led the team in receptions and yards in his only season.
The New England Patriots have informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that he will be released when the new league year commences next week. Diggs, 32, was a pivotal player in his sole season with the Patriots, leading the team with 85 receptions, 1,013 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, contributing to their Super Bowl appearance where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks. He became the primary target for quarterback Drake Maye and achieved his seventh career 1,000-yard season, marking a successful comeback after a season-ending knee injury in 2024. The decision to release Diggs addresses two critical concerns for the Patriots: it removes the team from the legal complications surrounding Diggs, who was accused in December of strangulation and other criminal charges (allegations he denies), and it creates substantial salary cap relief. Diggs had signed a three-year, $69 million deal in March 2025, with $26 million guaranteed, and was slated to earn $20.6 million this upcoming season. The four-time Pro Bowl wideout will now seek his fifth team and fourth in as many years.
