The New England Patriots continue to rebuild after the Tom Brady era. Since Brady’s departure, the team has made the postseason only once, in 2021, when Mac Jones led them to a first-round matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
In that AFC Wild-Card game, the Patriots were blown out, 47-17. Fast forward to 2025, and sophomore quarterback Drake Maye looks ready to lead New England back to the playoffs. Recently hired head coach Mike Vrabel believes their latest addition can help Maye reach that goal.
Vrabel’s Explanation of New Wideout’s Massive Deal
Four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs recently signed with New England on a new three-year, $69 million deal, with $26 million guaranteed. Diggs, a former Houston Texan, missed nine games last season with a torn ACL, which he is still recovering from.
With many questioning the cost of the 31-year-old receiver’s contract, Vrabel discussed the decision during an appearance on “Green Light” with Chris Long.
Long noted that the move provides a significant boost for young quarterback Maye. Vrabel agreed, emphasizing the importance of giving Maye as many weapons as possible.
Coach Vrabel on what the addition of Stefon Diggs means for the Patriots pic.twitter.com/AMgQJYbVP1
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight)
“Yeah, just trying to make sure we’re supporting Drake and supporting the football team. And again, this is a highly competitive, confident receiver that’s produced throughout his career and multiple ways [and] play style, right?” Vrabel said.
“He’s got a play strength to him that you see that he can play physical, you know, route craft … good at the catch point, has been good in the red zone. There’s a play style to him that I’ve always appreciated, and that we want to, you know, continue to enhance and make sure that, you know, he’s doing things to help us.
“But it’s just his conversation, his demeanor, his attitude, and his presence have been, you know, great through our conversations. And hopefully, we can continue to add good players.”
Diggs returns to the AFC East after four consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards from 2020 to 2023. He built a strong connection with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, something the 70 career touchdown scorer will look to replicate in New England. In 2024 with Houston, Diggs was on pace to reach 1,000 yards again before tearing his ACL.
Breaking Down Diggs’ Deal
At first glance, Diggs’ deal might surprise some people. But upon closer examination, PFSN’s Priyanshu Choudhary explains why it might not be so bad for New England.
“However, one key detail in there might be the saving grace the Patriots need. While the full contract is indeed a three-year deal, New England reportedly has an out after the first season, when Diggs will cost them $26 million.”
Diggs joins a group of young wide receivers, none of whom reached 600 receiving yards in 2024. While Diggs will certainly help improve those numbers, the Patriots also hold the fourth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
After being linked to Colorado star Travis Hunter, the addition of Diggs could allow de facto general manager Eliot Wolf to explore other options. Or, if the Patriots are still high on Hunter, they may value him more as a cornerback on the defensive side.
