The New England Patriots didn’t walk away with the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 60, but 2025 was far from a lost season. This team showed real growth, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and now heads into a pivotal offseason with a solid foundation-and some big decisions to make.
One of the biggest questions looming over Foxborough? The future of veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
A Productive Year, but a Price Tag to Match
Diggs arrived in New England last spring on a three-year, $69 million deal, and there were plenty of question marks surrounding the move. He was coming off a torn ACL, entering his age-31 season, and joining a team in transition. But Diggs didn’t just meet expectations-he reminded everyone why he’s still one of the league’s most reliable receivers.
He racked up 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the Patriots’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. More importantly, he became a go-to target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Whether it was on third down, in the red zone, or when things broke down, Diggs was often the guy Maye looked for-and with good reason.
Diggs lined up all over the field, brought veteran savvy to a young offense, and helped stabilize a passing game that desperately needed a WR1. But now comes the tricky part: his contract.
The Cap Crunch
Diggs carries a $26.5 million cap hit in 2026-the second-largest on the team. His base salary is $20.6 million, though it’s not fully guaranteed. That opens the door for some financial maneuvering.
If the Patriots were to release Diggs between March 13 and June 1, they’d save $12.5 million in cap space, though they’d also absorb a $14 million dead cap hit. Post-June 1, the savings jump to $15.1 million, giving the front office even more flexibility to address other needs.
With $41 million in cap space already available, New England isn’t exactly strapped for cash. But that doesn’t mean they won’t look to create more room-especially if they plan to be aggressive in free agency or extend some of their young talent.
Diggs Wants to Stay-But Knows It’s Not His Call
After the Super Bowl, Diggs was asked about his future in New England. His answer was candid and emotional-exactly what you’d expect from a player who poured everything into the season.
“[Expletive], unless they opt out of the contract. I anticipate being here.
I hope so. Love my guys.
Hell of a year playing with them. We built some real family-like bonds, so I hope so.
I don’t control it.”
That last line hits hard: “I don’t control it.” Diggs knows the business side of the NFL can be ruthless, especially for veterans with big cap hits.
He’s 32 now. The Patriots have a young quarterback, a new offensive core, and decisions to make about how best to build around Maye for the long haul.
Leadership That Doesn’t Show Up on the Stat Sheet
While the numbers speak for themselves, Diggs’ impact went beyond the box score. He emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room, setting the tone with pregame speeches and helping to establish a culture that’s been in flux since the post-Brady era began.
That’s not easy to replace. Chemistry matters-especially between a young QB and his top target. Diggs and Maye built something real in 2025, and continuing that relationship could be invaluable for the quarterback’s development.
In the postseason, Diggs added 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets. The offense had its struggles, but Diggs remained a steady presence. That kind of reliability isn’t easy to find.
What’s Next?
The Patriots are at a crossroads. They’ve got cap space, a promising young quarterback, and a roster that’s starting to take shape. But they also have tough calls to make-none bigger than what to do with Stefon Diggs.
Keeping him means rolling with a proven veteran who’s still producing and who’s helped bring stability to the offense. Moving on would free up significant cap space and allow the team to invest elsewhere.
There’s no clear right answer here. But whatever decision the Patriots make, it’ll say a lot about how they view their timeline-and how close they believe they are to contending again.