The New England Patriots will have a whole new identity in their receiving corps this season, and Stefon Diggs’s departure stands as the most notable change. Through all the blockbuster moves that defined this rollercoaster offseason, it comes as a big shock that the veteran wideout is still without a team.
Stefon Diggs’ Wait for a New Team Continues
With an axe to grind after falling at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, the Patriots went out this offseason and loaded up on talent.
Among their most notable moves were the acquisitions of wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. However, in a surprising turn of events, they didn’t bring back Diggs, as head coach Mike Vrabel recently responded to questions about the possibility.
“I think we’re happy with where we’re at right now with the numbers and the people in the receiver room,” he told the media. “I appreciate Stefon as a person and as a player, and what he did for us last year. I value that, helped us win football games, helped us get to where we got, but right now I don’t think that that’s something that I think we’re exploring.”
At 32, Diggs still has value left to offer an NFL offense. He was the heart of the Patriots’ receiving corps last season, putting up 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, with an 87.0 PFSN WR Impact score, which ranked fourth in the league.
While New England might even be able to bring him back at a discount, it doesn’t seem to be in the franchise’s plans. That said, NFL analyst Mike Florio expressed his surprise at how Diggs remains unsigned as we ramp up to the season.
“It is amazing to me that Diggs is still available,” he said on “Pro Football Talk.” “I suspect someone’s gonna sign him before training camp. I mean, you know, if the offers aren’t great, why bother to be there for the offseason program?”
Veterans who’ve been in the league 10+ years tend to take preseason programs less seriously. Their experience usually carries them to new teams and systems.
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“Why put yourself through it when you’ve been in the league for as long as he has?” Florio added. “I suspect at some point during camp, he’s going to find a job somewhere. I’m just amazed. He had a thousand yards coming off a torn ACL in his first year in a new offense!”
Diggs came as close as ever to finally winning a Super Bowl last season. Whether he’ll have another shot at a ring remains to be seen.
