The New England Patriots are headed back to the postseason - and Stefon Diggs is a big reason why.
In a hard-fought 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, New England officially punched its playoff ticket. And while Diggs didn’t find the end zone, he reminded everyone exactly why the Patriots took a calculated risk by signing him this offseason. The veteran wideout hauled in nine catches for 138 yards, delivering his 40th career 100-yard game - and doing it in front of a hometown crowd in Maryland.
What makes this performance even more impressive is the road Diggs has taken to get here. Coming off a torn ACL suffered during the 2024 season with the Texans, and at 31 years old, Diggs entered free agency with more questions than answers.
The Patriots weren’t even his first suitor - or vice versa. New England reportedly explored trade options for Brandon Aiyuk and made a run at Chris Godwin, who ultimately chose to stay in Tampa Bay for less money.
Diggs is well aware of that.
“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 - outproducing both Aiyuk and Godwin combined. Aiyuk hasn’t played a game this year, and Godwin has battled injuries throughout the season. Meanwhile, Diggs has been a steady, veteran presence in a Patriots offense that’s leaned on him in big moments.
Signing Diggs wasn’t a no-brainer. The Patriots were betting on a player in his 30s, fresh off major knee surgery, to come in and not just contribute - but lead. And Diggs has embraced that challenge with the kind of energy and professionalism that’s made him a four-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro.
“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, it’s been more than enough.
Diggs’ chemistry with the Patriots’ offense has grown week by week, and his ability to find soft spots in coverage continues to make life easier for whoever’s under center. He’s not just racking up stats - he’s making critical plays in high-leverage moments, and that’s exactly what New England needed.
Now, with the playoffs on the horizon, the Patriots have a proven postseason performer who’s playing with something to prove. And if Sunday night was any indication, Diggs is far from done making noise this season.