Will Stefon Diggs be released by the New England Patriots?
Yes, Stefon Diggs is expected to be released by the New England Patriots after the new league year begins on March 11, 2026. This decision comes amid rising salary concerns and ongoing legal issues.
Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots in March 2025. During the 2025 season, he recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, making him a key player for the team. However, his base salary was set to increase dramatically from $2.9 million in 2025 to $20.6 million in 2026, raising concerns about the team’s salary cap.
Compounding the situation, Diggs is facing felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef. His attorney has stated that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations,” and he is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 1, 2026.
Despite these challenges, Diggs has shown resilience, with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noting, “He worked extremely hard in the time that he was rehabbing from the knee.” Diggs expressed gratitude for his time with the team, stating, “THANK YOU for a hell of a year.”
Following Diggs’ release, the Patriots are projected to have about $57 million in salary cap space, which could allow them to pursue other players or strategies in the upcoming season. Diggs is notable for being the only Patriots receiver since Julian Edelman to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of Diggs’ release on both his career and the Patriots’ roster remain to be seen. The team will need to navigate the complexities of their salary cap while addressing their receiving needs moving forward.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision on Diggs’ release and the potential impact on the team’s strategy for the upcoming season.
