Just before free agency begins next week, the New England Patriots made a crucial move to free up cap space. After a Super Bowl run and a season with Stefon Diggs as a focal point of the offense, the team has decided to move on from the veteran wide receiver.
According to several media reports, the Patriots informed Diggs that he will be released next Wednesday, allowing him to hit the market early rather than wait for his contract guarantees to trigger.
Why the Patriots Are Moving On From Stwfon Diggs
Stefon Diggs is the No. 5 overall free agent on the market and the No. 1 ranked available WR, according to PFSN. Last season, Diggs earned a 87.0 WRI grade, according to PFSN NFL WR Impact rankings.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero explained that the decision came down largely to contract structure.
Stefon Diggs had an additional $6 million set to become fully guaranteed next week Friday. The Patriots didn’t want to drag him along and informed him today they’re moving on, giving him a jump start. He’ll be released next Wednesday. https://t.co/Z7hO5yin12
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 4, 2026
Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with New England last offseason after tearing his ACL in 2024 with the Houston Texans. The former All-Pro played 17 games for the AFC champion Patriots in his only season with the team in 2025. With the Patriots he caught 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
Another report suggested that the Patriots initially hoped to restructure the contract before ultimately deciding to part ways.
The Patriots wanted to restructure the Diggs contract.
Diggs did not oblige. https://t.co/0EETzUnCIZ
— Savage (@SavageSports_) March 4, 2026
Shortly after the news broke, Diggs posted an Instagram story that quickly began circulating online, hinting at his reaction to the sudden development.
Patriots WR Stefon Diggs latest Instagram story: pic.twitter.com/kFDgQWrhtm
— Ben Belford-Peltzman (@thepatriotsbeat) March 4, 2026
Despite releasing one of their biggest offensive weapons, the Patriots appear ready to stay aggressive in the wide receiver market. Another option could be Alec Pierce. Pierce enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with the Indianapolis Colts, establishing himself as a premier deep threat by recording career highs with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. He led the NFL in yards per reception, becoming a top-tier target for the team.
According to Jordan Schultz, New England has already been monitoring several high-profile free agent options and could be ready to spend.
Per sources, the #Patriots have been in on the big names on the WR free-agent market next week and are believed to be prepared to spend big.
Alec Pierce is among the names they’ve been eyeing. The trade market is also an option. https://t.co/KntNFfix4T
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 4, 2026
The report suggests the Patriots are not planning to keep their wide receiver depth chart as is. Currently, the Patriots have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism, John Jiles, and Jeremiah Webb on the positional depth chart.
Another intriguing possibility comes from reporting at the NFL Combine that the Patriots could be interested in adding Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown via trade. PFSN reporter Ben Belford-Peltzman explained how the move could signal the Patriots making a trade for Brown.
Sources at the NFL Combine told me that if the Patriots parted ways with Stefon Diggs, there was a real possibility the team would look to add A.J Brown.
More on what I heard below: https://t.co/1iCSYoMhMn
— Ben Belford-Peltzman (@thepatriotsbeat) March 4, 2026
Like any major move, the decision created a flood of reactions around the league.
Some analysts believe the move could signal a major addition at the position.
Once again, the Patriots will be back in the WR market.
Will they push the chips in for AJ Brown?
What’s left for Diggs? Return to Buffalo? https://t.co/T6jXZSEEcB
— Brandon Murchison (@RotoSuperstar) March 4, 2026
Others were more cautious about reading too much into the situation.
I’m not reading into the Diggs release as any kind of sign for AJ Brown… Diggs is facing a lot of legal trouble, and there are several WR free agents they could be interested in
— Alexis Chassen (@Lovelybuckeye) March 4, 2026
Meanwhile, after the Super Bowl, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was also asked about his relationship with the veteran receiver.
I thought New England & Diggs may be able to work something out in order to keep some continuity on offense.
This was Drake Maye’s answer when I asked him about Diggs on breakup day: pic.twitter.com/IofcgnqsEX
— Kevin J. Stone (@kstone06) March 4, 2026
Diggs will officially be released next week, giving him the chance to explore options across the league. Given his production and experience, he is expec
