What’s next for the Patriots and Stefon Diggs after release

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are moving on from a key contributor to their 14-3 season.

When wide receiver Stefon Diggs signed with the team last March, it was on a three-year, $69 million deal. But the structure of the contract made the start of the 2026 season a key checkpoint for the Patriots to be able to make it a one-year deal.

That explains why the Patriots, according to a league source, informed Diggs on Wednesday that they intend to release him next week.

Diggs’ base salary was rising from $2.9 million in 2025 to $20.6 million in 2026, and his salary cap charge was increasing from $10.5 million to $26.5 million. Diggs would have been guaranteed an additional $6 million, on top of the $1.7 million he’s still guaranteed to receive, had he been on the roster by the end of next week.

So the Patriots made the calculation that those increased charges, plus Diggs turning 33 in November, made this the time to move on — despite him turning in a solid 2025 regular season that included a team-high 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. Diggs was quieter in the playoffs, totaling 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown.

Diggs’ is also facing felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef. He pleaded not guilty to the charges last month and is next scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing April 1.

Diggs’ attorney has said the receiver “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. The Patriots released a statement that said they support Diggs.

Once his release from the Patriots is official, Diggs will become a free agent and be eligible to sign with a team.

As for the Patriots, they project to have about $57 million in salary cap space. This is the first offseason that Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez is eligible for an extension, and that figures to be a top priority (and a costly one at that). Top team needs heading into free agency include edge, offensive line, linebacker, tight end and receiver.

ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss, senior NFL national reporter Jeremy Fowler and NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid answer three questions on what’s next for New England and Diggs.

What is the Patriots’ plan at receiver?

New England wants to focus on internal development. Head coach Mike Vrabel said he’s excited to see the development of 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, who delivered some highlight reel plays as a rookie but finished with just 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns while playing 30% of the offensive snaps. Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III also showed some promise in the slot, which was where Diggs projected to play more in 2026.

Vrabel said at the NFL combine, “The transition in that position from Year 1 to Year 2 can be pretty special.”

Also under contract for 2026 are veteran Mack Hollins, fourth-year pro Kayshon Boutte and DeMario “Pop” Douglas.

The Patriots also figure to explore trade possibilities — with Vrabel having coached Eagles receiver A.J. Brown being a notable link — as well as the draft, where they have 11 picks. — Reiss

What will free agency look like for Diggs?

At age 32, Diggs will not be a top-of-market receiving option and might need to wait for the second wave of free agency. But his game held up well as a 1,000-yard receiver in 2025. He has played well with young quarterbacks in back-to-back years in Houston and New England, so perhaps joining the New York Giants with Jaxson Dart or the Tennessee Titans with Cam Ward would make sense. — Fowler

Will the Patriots draft a receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft?

Even prior to the release of Diggs, wide receiver was a huge need for the Patriots. Now that the team is going to release him, that need arguably jumps to the top of their priority list at the NFL draft. And with the No. 31 pick, New England is at the tail end of where an expected run on wideouts could happen in Round 1.

KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Denzel Boston (Washington) and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) are three targets who might be available. Each brings a diverse skill set and can serve as another playmaker for quarterback Drake Maye. But I like Boston as the best fit. He’s a big player (6-foot-4, 209 pounds) who makes plays down the field, and he’d bring a different body type to the roster than what Pats already have. — Reid