Patriots Release Stefon Diggs

The move marks a swift end to Diggs's brief but impactful tenure in New England, where he signed a three-year deal just last March. In his lone season, he became the team's leading receiver with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as a key target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Financially, releasing Diggs provides the Patriots with significant flexibility. The decision saves the team approximately $16.8 million against the 2026 salary cap. This comes at the cost of a $9.7 million dead cap hit, a calculated expense to avoid a much larger $26.5 million cap charge had he remained on the roster. His departure leaves a notable void at the top of the Patriots' wide receiver depth chart. The current group includes veterans like Mack Hollins and younger players such as Kayshon Boutte and DeMario "Pop" Douglas, none of whom have functioned as a true No. 1 receiver. The release also occurs amidst an off-field legal issue for Diggs, who is facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges from an alleged incident. He has pleaded not guilty, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1. With newfound cap space, the Patriots are now positioned to be aggressive in reshaping their offense. The 2026 free-agent market for wide receivers is expected to include notable names like Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Keenan Allen, offering potential replacement options. This move intensifies the focus on the Patriots' upcoming draft strategy. Holding the 31st overall pick, New England could look to the draft to find a new primary target for Maye, with a deep class of wide receiver prospects anticipated.