Patriots: What Would Have to Happen for Stefon Diggs to Return

In March, the New England Patriots released veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a savvy move for the salary cap, but the two sides aren’t exactly against the idea of rejoining for the upcoming season.

The Patriots needed to cut Diggs in March because his salary cap charge was set to balloon from $10.5 million to $26.5 million.

Diggs was the leading receiver on the Patriots last season, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, helping New England reach the Super Bowl in Drake Maye’s second season at quarterback and Mike Vrabel’s first season as head coach.

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Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated provided an update on the situation between the Patriots and Diggs this offseason. People inside the building in New England “love” Diggs. However, the Patriots are expected to attempt to trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown next week.

Breer doesn’t believe Diggs will sign with the Patriots this offseason unless Brown is on the team or someone in the receiver room suffered a significant injury.

“This is about overall fit. Diggs is 32 with plenty of injury history,” Breer wrote. “A.J. Brown turns 29 next month and has a ton of mileage on his legs. Both are accustomed to being the focal point of an offense. The Patriots are also bringing in Romeo Doubs from the Packers, and have Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas back from last year's team.

“So if you become reliant on Diggs and Brown, and one or both go down, that's not great. And there's only one ball to go around. So, again, this is simply a fit thing. If injuries were to change the Patriots' situation and Diggs were still available, I'd bet the door would stay open. But I don't think it's in the plans now.”

After losing the Super Bowl, Diggs told reporters that he hoped to return to the Patriots. As a leading receiver on an AFC championship team, New England should have made keeping him a bigger priority.

While it’s understandable that the Patriots want to take a big swing at Brown, they could have re-signed Diggs had they not signed Doubs to a four-year $68 million contract.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 8:37 AM.