Stefon Diggs' Future in New England: Cap Concerns, Legal Questions, and a Possible Farewell
The New England Patriots are just days away from their first Super Bowl appearance since February 2019, but even as the confetti looms, the offseason questions are already piling up. One of the biggest? The future of veteran wideout Stefon Diggs.
Diggs, who led the team this season with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards, has been a sparkplug in the Patriots’ offense and a clear favorite target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He posted five 100-yard games this year - a staggering contrast to the 2024 Patriots squad, which managed just one such performance as a team. His presence has been nothing short of transformative for a young, evolving offense.
And yet, despite his production, there's chatter that Diggs could be a surprise cap casualty this offseason.
A Cap Hit That Can’t Be Ignored
Let’s start with the numbers. Diggs is set to carry a significant cap hit into the 2026 season.
Releasing him would free up nearly $17 million in space - a tempting figure for a team that may be looking to retool around its young quarterback. At 33 next season, the question becomes less about what Diggs has done, and more about what he can still do - and for how long.
There’s no denying Diggs still has gas in the tank. His route-running remains sharp, his hands are reliable, and his chemistry with Maye was one of the most consistent elements of the Patriots' offense this season. But the NFL is a league where age and salary often collide, and sometimes talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee job security.
Legal Trouble Looms Large
The financial aspect is only part of the equation. Diggs is also scheduled to appear in court after the Super Bowl on charges of strangulation and assault - a serious legal matter that could have major implications for his future with the team.
While the Patriots have historically been deliberate in how they handle off-field issues, this is a situation that could force their hand. If the legal process results in any sort of league suspension or reputational fallout, New England may be faced with a tough decision - especially if they’re eyeing another marquee wide receiver this offseason.
In that scenario, the move to release Diggs might not be about performance or cap space at all. It could be about optics, discipline, and the long-term direction of the franchise.
Retirement Could Be on the Table
There’s also another possibility that’s quietly gaining traction: retirement.
Diggs has earned well over $100 million in his career and has long been one of the league’s most productive receivers. A Super Bowl ring would be the final jewel in his crown. If the Patriots hoist the Lombardi Trophy next week, walking away on top might be an option Diggs seriously considers.
It’s not uncommon for veterans to call it a career after finally reaching the mountaintop. For Diggs, who’s spent years chasing that elusive title, a win could be the perfect ending.
What's Next?
For now, Diggs remains a key part of the Patriots’ Super Bowl plans - and a vital piece of the offense. Releasing him purely for cap reasons would be a head-scratcher, especially given his impact on Maye’s development and the lack of proven depth behind him at the position.
Still, the combination of age, salary, legal uncertainty, and roster-building priorities makes this a situation worth watching closely. If the Patriots do make a move, it won’t be because Diggs can’t still play. It’ll be because the off-field variables became too big to ignore - or because Diggs himself decides he’s done everything he set out to do.
One thing’s for sure: as the Patriots prepare for the biggest game of their season, the clock is already ticking on one of their most important offseason decisions.