The New England Patriots may have finally figured out how to jump-start their rebuild by bringing in All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs to team up with second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Diggs, one of the NFL’s most consistent and productive pass-catchers, brings something this New England offense has lacked in recent years — true veteran presence and leadership in the wide receiver room.
That leadership is exactly what a young QB like Maye needs to grow, and it’s why Diggs’ three-year, $69 million deal already feels like a big win for the Patriots. With a new-look offense and some long-missing excitement in Foxborough, Patriots fans are watching every move Diggs makes — including what jersey number he’ll wear.
Stefon Diggs Says No to Two Jersey Numbers
Shortly after his arrival in New England, Diggs took to Instagram to ask fans what number he should wear with his new team. The replies flooded in, but he quickly ruled out two popular choices: No. 1 and No. 88.
“Nah we don’t do that and young boy boutta have a good year… believe in em,” Diggs wrote, referencing someone else who might already be locked into wearing No. 1 — likely rookie wideout Ja’Lynn Polk, who wore it in college.
No. 1 has been part of Diggs’ history — he wore it back at Maryland and again briefly during his time with the Houston Texans. But he’s making it clear that he wants the younger player to have his shot now.
As for No. 88? That’s not happening either.
“No lie ion even think I feel right in the 80’s,” Diggs said, keeping it honest in his Instagram story.
Stefon Diggs is leaving it up to the fans to choose his new number with the #Patriots!
What do y’all think ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NxIWuEYC1M
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 30, 2025
That might surprise some fans. After all, New England has a strong tradition in the ’80s jersey range. Rob Gronkowski made No. 87 legendary. Around the league, No. 88 has been worn by some of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history — Michael Irvin, Marvin Harrison, and Drew Pearson among them. But Diggs just doesn’t see himself fitting in there.
What about his classic No. 14 from Buffalo? That’s currently taken by linebacker Robert Spillane, so Diggs might need to negotiate — or pick something different altogether.
Either way, he’s already made his presence felt. With 857 receptions, 10,491 yards, and 70 touchdowns in 144 games, Diggs enters 2025 as one of the most accomplished players on the roster. Coming off an ACL injury, he’ll be expected to produce at a high level — and help guide this offense back into playoff form.