Patriots Release Stefon Diggs Amid Playoff Decline And Personal Controversies

The New England Patriots have decided to release former Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Diggs signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Patriots last offseason. The Patriots will have to absorb $9.7 million in dead cap to release Diggs.

The Patriots were one of the most improved teams in the league last season, going from missing the playoffs to making the Super Bowl. Diggs was a big part of this, with 1,013 receiving yards to lead the team. 

However, his production saw a dip in the playoffs. His best game was the divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans, when he had 40 receiving yards. In the Super Bowl, Diggs was held to just 37 receiving yards.

Along with his playoff struggles, he is currently facing legal problems off the field. On Dec. 2, Diggs was accused of assaulting his private chef. The chef claimed he approached Diggs over unpaid wages, leading to Diggs becoming violent. He is also being sued by an ex-girlfriend for assault.

The big contract, the decline in the playoffs, and off-the-field issues created a perfect storm that led to Diggs’ release.

Even with the dead cap the Patriots absorbed, they still gain $16.8 million in salary-cap space by releasing Diggs. The money can be used to get wide receiver depth, edge rushers or offensive line help. 

Diggs can still be a major contributor to any team. It’s likely he’d want to join a contender, as he will be 33 by the end of the 2026 season. 2025 was the first time Diggs made the Super Bowl in his career.

The Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks are teams expected to be active in the WR market. Diggs played for the Bills from 2020 to 2023, making the Pro Bowl in each season. However, it was reported that Diggs was unhappy with his usage under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who is now the head coach.