How Stefon Diggs Deal (Finally) Solves Longtime Patriots Problem
The New England Patriots have needed a bonafide No. 1 receiver since even before Tom Brady departed after the 2019 season.
They’ve certainly made efforts to bring that type of player in since then. Names such as DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Brandon Aiyuk, just to name a few, marked near misses in New England’s efforts to add top-level pass-catchers.
That need stretched from the final days of Brady to the days of Mac Jones and into the first full offseason with Drake Maye now as the franchise quarterback. Tuesday finally saw the Patriots address the need and reach an agreement with a wide receiver that can change the game and require the attention of an opposing defense.
The Patriots reportedly agreed to terms with free agent Stefon Diggs on a three-year deal worth $69 million, with $26 million guaranteed. Diggs’s recent visit to One Patriot Place clearly sparked mutual interest, and he will join his fourth NFL franchise.
Diggs is a proven veteran, a crisp route runner, and a consistent visitor to postseason play. The Patriots should count on him as Maye’s top target and an on-field presence to follow for younger receivers Kayshoun Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk and DeMario Douglas.
New England certainly knows just how much Diggs can impact the game. He tallied 61 catches for 779 yards and eight touchdowns in his career against the Patriots.
The talent on the roster is far greater than the team that won just four games for one-year head coach Jerod Mayo in 2024. New England added talent to fill holes in free agency and still needs to develop a core in the next few years to truly return to contention. Diggs further elevates the potential of the Patriots and maybe has them on the doorstep of making some noise in 2025.
The Patriots noticeably have a different edge with Diggs and could be truly enticing if they take care of business with another high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.