The New England Patriots know they have a problem. Their offense has been stuck in neutral for too long, and one of the most significant issues has been the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver.
With young quarterback Drake Maye under center and a fresh coaching staff, New England needs a veteran playmaker who can change games, and NFL legend Chad Johnson believes it would be Stefon Diggs.
Chad Johnson Urges Patriots To Sign Stefon Diggs
Since losing Julian Edelman, New England’s wide receiver room has been a debilitating weakness. No Patriots receiver has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards since Edelman in 2019. In 2024, the Patriots’ passing attack ranked near the bottom of the league, with tight end Hunter Henry leading the team in receiving yards.
The Patriots were after Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin during the offseason but only managed to sign Mack Hollins. However, the former Atlanta Hawks receiver has only crossed 500 yards once in his career, and that’s why New England is now looking at Diggs, whom they also hosted for a visit on March 19.
Stefon Diggs is in Foxboro to meet with the New England Patriots, according to a source.
The Patriots badly need WR help and Diggs could provide that even if he may not be ready Week 1 as he recovers from an ACL tear.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff)
Johnson, a former Patriots receiver, was excited about Diggs’ visit and urged the team to sign him despite the ACL injury he suffered last season, which could keep him out of a few games in 2025.
“Stefon Diggs visiting Foxboro, one leg or two legs, f*** it no legs it all he’s gonna be open when given said opportunities, would be a superb locker room presence for the young QB & WR’s,” he wrote.
Diggs was limited to just 47 catches, 496 yards, and three touchdowns last season because of the injury but has otherwise been a model of consistency. He logged over 1,000 receiving yards for six consecutive seasons before the injury and has piled up 857 receptions, 10,491 yards, and 70 touchdowns over his ten-year-long career in the league.
That production is why he remains among the top available free agents, even with injury concerns. Pro Football Sports Network’s Top 121 Free Agents list ranks him No. 41, a sign that teams still see him as a potential difference-maker.
A decade into his career, he may not have many peak years left, but if he can bounce back, Diggs would instantly become the best receiver the Patriots have had in years.
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But adding Diggs comes with risks. Can he stay on the field after a serious knee injury? How much will it cost to bring him in? Diggs is also known for being fiery and outspoken — would he mesh with the Patriots’ culture?
If New England pulls the trigger, it could be a game-changing move. If not, they must keep searching for that elusive WR1.
