The New England Patriots made a major splash by signing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million contract. As the team looks to revamp its offense, Diggs is expected to play a major role in helping rookie quarterback Drake Maye develop into a franchise leader.
At his introductory press conference, Diggs made headlines by comparing Maye to his former teammate and reigning MVP, Josh Allen.
Stefon Diggs Excited to Work With Drake Maye
The Patriots’ newest star receiver wasted no time expressing his excitement about teaming up with the rookie quarterback. When asked what drew him to New England, Diggs pointed to what he’d heard about Maye’s personality and playing style.
“I’m excited,” Diggs said. “It’s crazy, because when you ask around, he has a lot of similarities — what people say through the grapevine, he acts a lot like Josh Allen. And you know, that was my guy. So I look forward to meeting and connecting with him.”
NEWS: New #Patriots WR Stefon Diggs is fired up to play with rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
"I'm excited."
Diggs says that there is a lot of similarities between Maye and MVP Josh Allen.
pic.twitter.com/JxKxBiBQVw— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 28, 2025
The comparison is especially notable, as Maye drew pre-draft comparisons to Allen due to his raw athleticism, arm strength, and ability to extend plays. If Maye develops into even a fraction of the player Allen has become, the Patriots could see a significant offensive turnaround.
What This Means for Drake Maye’s Development
For Maye, having a proven playmaker like Diggs could be critical to his early development. The rookie has the physical tools, and now he has a top-tier receiver to grow with. If Maye and Diggs can build the same kind of chemistry that Diggs had with Allen in Buffalo, New England’s offense could make a major leap.
While the financial investment in Diggs was significant, the Patriots believe his presence will be worth the cost — especially with the rising salary cap and positional market shifts. Analysts have pointed out that elite players continue to reset market standards, and Diggs is the type of player who can elevate a young quarterback quickly.
As New England tries to rebuild its offensive identity, the connection between Diggs and Maye will be one of the most important storylines to watch. If Diggs’ comparison holds true, the rookie could be in for a breakout season with an elite receiver by his side.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Diggs is coming off a season-ending ACL injury suffered in Week 8 of 2024, but reports indicate he’s on track to return in time for the 2025 season opener. His return will be crucial for Maye’s transition to the NFL and for improving an offense that’s struggled in recent years.
If the chemistry between Diggs and Maye comes together as hoped, the Patriots could take a significant step forward in their rebuild. Diggs’ comparison between Maye and Allen adds an extra layer of intrigue as fans wait to see if New England’s new quarterback can live up to the hype.