After an excellent 2025 NFL season, Stefon Diggs and the New England Patriots have several things to figure out. The wide receiver penned a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots that runs through 2027. The deal consists of $22.6 million in total guarantees.
Stefon Diggs and the New England Patriots to part ways?
With Diggs having a $26.5 million cap hit for 2026, the Patriots could cut him before June 1, which would save up to $16.9 million against the cap while leaving $9.7 million in dead money. Marc Bertrand of NBC sports sees the Patriots and Diggs parting ways this spring.
"I think they're headed for a breakup. It's what I think they are," Bertrand said. "I think it's human nature for him to sit there and say, 'As long as they don't ask out of the contract.' Well, they may not ask him out the contract and say, 'Hey, why don't you take a pay cut like so many veterans in the NFL have been asked to do before?'
"And he's gonna say, 'Why do I need to take a pay cut? I just gave you a 1,000-yard season, and I was just your best, most reliable receiver, and I was a leader on the team. Explain to me why am I taking a pay cut?'"
Bertrand mentioned that Diggs has the authority to ask those questions, but the Patriots also have a point in not wanting to pay a 32-year-old wide receiver what he is scheduled to make. Those two realities would ultimately lead to a breakup.
Stefon Diggs' wonderful 2025 season
Stefon Diggs made 17 appearances in the 2025 season, dropping 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. He led the Patriots to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019.
Stefon Diggs wants to continue in the New England Patriots
After losing Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13, Stefon Diggs made it clear that he wants to feature for the Patriots next season.
“Oh (expletive). Unless they opt out of the contract,” Diggs said. “I anticipate being here, so I hope so. Love my guys. I had a hell of a year playing with them. Built some real family-like bond, so I hope so, I don’t control it though.”
A lot of things can happen in the offseason, and it is not hard to imagine why Diggs and the Pats would break up.