After a whirlwind offseason filled with headlines both on and off the field, wide receiver Stefon Diggs is back in focus, this time for football-related reasons. The New England Patriots’ newest offensive weapon has found himself in the spotlight not just for signing a big contract but also for off-field controversies that recently surfaced.
However, according to new head coach Mike Vrabel, Diggs has made a strong impression inside the team facility despite the noise outside.
Mike Vrabel Speaks on Stefon Diggs’ Commitment Amid Off-Field Attention
Diggs, who joined the Patriots this offseason on a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, has been participating in New England’s offseason program. His return to the field follows an ACL tear suffered midway through the 2024 season during his stint with the Houston Texans.
In just eight games last year, Diggs logged 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns before the injury ended his season prematurely.
Vrabel addressed Diggs’ status and performance when speaking to the media at the start of minicamp this week. “Good. I mean, he’s tried to figure out where everything is and what his role is, making sure that as we add those situations, the third down, the no-huddle, the red zone, that he’s staying up on it,” Vrabel said.
He also emphasized that Diggs has been limited to certain drills due to his ongoing rehab, but his presence has been consistently positive. “He’s working hard in his rehab, and when he can, there’s certain drills he can be out there and certain drills he won’t be. But I think he’s engaged and I like his energy,” Vrabel added.
That energy will be vital for a Patriots offense that finished near the bottom in 2024, placing 26th in PFSN’s Offense+ Rankings and managing just a 4-13 record. With rookie quarterback Drake Maye at the helm and a re-tooled offense featuring Diggs, Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Kyle Williams, the team is banking on improvement.
Diggs has made waves off the field, too, as a viral video showing him partying on a yacht with six models amid rumors of dating Cardi B sparked headlines and public speculation. This came shortly after the pair had been seen courtside at a New York Knicks playoff game.
Nonetheless, Diggs has remained involved in team activities, including OTAs, where he was seen in Patriots gear for the first time.
As Vrabel enters his first season as head coach, his focus is clearly on building a committed culture, and he appears satisfied with what Diggs has shown so far. Whether the veteran receiver can maintain that focus and make a major impact in 2025 remains one of New England’s most intriguing storylines.
Diggs’ return timeline remains uncertain, but his engagement during minicamp suggests he’s on track. For a team in transition, his leadership and performance could be key to turning things around.