The Stefon Diggs era in New England Patriots is coming to an end. The team has informed the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver that they plan to release him when the new league year begins on March 11, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday.
The decision is strictly financial. Diggs had $6 million set to become fully guaranteed next week, prompting the Patriots to act now and give him an early start in seeking a new team, Pelissero added.
Diggs thanked the Patriots in a social media post, sharing two photos with the caption: "THANK YOU for a hell of a year ... Until we meet again."
Signed in 2025 on a three-year, $63.5 million deal, Diggs’ tenure was always likely to last only one year because of how New England structured the contract. Most of the cap hit was pushed into the second and third years, giving the Patriots short-term flexibility while keeping the door open to retain him if he had a career year.
In his lone season with New England, Diggs exceeded expectations, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games. Beyond the stats, he provided veteran leadership the young roster needed, though he had a limited impact in Super Bowl LX, finishing with three catches for 37 yards. Head coach Mike Vrabel praised Diggs’ leadership and work ethic during the season and after the Super Bowl.
"He worked extremely hard in the time that he was rehabbing from the knee," Vrabel said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "He was just a really good presence each and every week."
Diggs, who turns 33 in November, joins a loaded 2026 free-agent wide receiver class that includes Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, DeAndre Hopkins and Jauan Jennings
