The New England Patriots are heading to the playoffs, and they’ve got Stefon Diggs to thank for a big part of that. Sunday night’s 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens wasn’t just a statement game for the team-it was a personal milestone for Diggs, who continues to prove he’s still one of the league’s most reliable receivers.
Diggs didn’t find the end zone, but he didn’t need to. He hauled in nine catches for 138 yards, carving up the Ravens' secondary and reminding everyone why the Patriots made a bold move to sign him this past offseason. That performance marked the 40th 100-yard game of his career, and he did it in front of a hometown crowd in Maryland, where friends and family were on hand to witness it.
What makes this story even more compelling is how Diggs wasn’t even the Patriots’ top target in free agency. Before landing on the veteran wideout, New England reportedly tried to swing a trade for Brandon Aiyuk and made a run at Chris Godwin, who opted to stay in Tampa Bay for less money. Diggs is well aware of how things played out.
“Yeah, they were thinking about signing those other guys,” Diggs said after the game. “And I know all those other guys they were thinking about signing.”
That chip on his shoulder? It’s showing up every Sunday.
Through the regular season, Diggs has racked up 76 receptions for 869 yards and three touchdowns-more production than both Aiyuk and Godwin combined this year. Aiyuk hasn’t suited up once, and Godwin’s been battling injuries. Meanwhile, Diggs has been a steady force in New England’s offense, giving the Patriots exactly what they needed: a reliable, veteran presence who can still break a game open.
And let’s not forget-signing Diggs wasn’t a no-brainer. He was coming off a torn ACL suffered in 2024 with the Houston Texans, and at 31 years old, he carried the kind of risk that usually scares teams off. But the Patriots saw something in him, and Diggs saw a chance to prove he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
“When they told me I had an opportunity to come in, I jumped at it,” Diggs said. “Teams don’t really like to sign guys, you know, over 30, just coming off of ACL (surgery), so it’s just more motivation for me to come out and be myself. I know being myself is going to be enough.”
So far, he’s been more than enough. Diggs has brought a veteran edge to a Patriots team that’s clawed its way into the postseason. His route-running is still sharp, his hands are as dependable as ever, and he’s playing with the kind of fire that comes from being overlooked.
The Patriots bet on Diggs. And right now, that bet looks like one of the smartest moves of their season.