Patriots Release Stefon Diggs
The New England Patriots released WR Stefon Diggs after just one season, making the star receiver a major free agent. The move puts pressure on New England to rebuild its receiver corps and throws Diggs into a competitive free agency market. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers says there's "no deadline" for his decision on playing for the Steelers next season, even after their hiring of coach Mike McCarthy.
The release of Stefon Diggs comes after he posted a productive 2025 season for New England, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns. He served as the primary target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, playing in all 17 games after recovering from an ACL tear that ended his 2024 season with Houston. Diggs' three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots was structured to give the team an exit after one season. By releasing him before March 13, New England avoids paying a $6 million option bonus that would have become guaranteed. The move saves the Patriots $16.8 million against the 2026 salary cap. The move accentuates New England's long-standing difficulties in acquiring and developing elite wide receivers, particularly through the draft. Outside of draft picks like Deion Branch and Julian Edelman, the franchise has a notable history of first- and second-round receivers who have not panned out. Diggs now enters a crowded 2026 free-agent market for wide receivers that is expected to include names like Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and George Pickens. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers' indecision on joining the Steelers coincides with the hiring of his former coach, Mike McCarthy, with whom he worked in Green Bay for 13 seasons from 2006 to 2018. Together, they led the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XLV and made eight consecutive playoff appearances. Their long tenure in Green Bay was not without friction; reports surfaced of a strained relationship toward the end, with Rodgers allegedly questioning McCarthy's "football IQ" and changing play calls at the line of scrimmage. Despite past tensions, Rodgers has recently spoken glowingly about the coach, calling him an "exceptional human being" and a great hire for Pittsburgh. Rodgers has stated that while the Steelers have not given him a deadline, he enjoyed his 2025 season in Pittsburgh and has a deep appreciation for McCarthy.
