Patriots Make Bold Move to Support Drake Maye with Stefon Diggs Signing
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have been under the microscope this offseason, with many questioning whether they were doing enough to support their young quarterback, Drake Maye. Up until now, the answer seemed to be a resounding “no.” But that narrative took a dramatic turn on Tuesday night.
The Patriots made headlines by agreeing to terms with veteran receiver Stefon Diggs on a three-year, $69 million contract, with $26 million guaranteed. This move is a clear signal that the Patriots are committed to giving Maye, their second-year franchise quarterback, the tools he needs to succeed. Diggs is known for his elite route-running ability, something the Patriots sorely lacked last season.
At 31, Diggs may not be in his prime, especially as he works his way back from a torn ACL in his right knee suffered on October 27. However, he is still a formidable competitor and represents a calculated risk for the Patriots. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Diggs’ rehab is progressing well, and he is expected to be ready for Week 1.
To put things in perspective, Patriots receivers ranked 28th in the NFL last season with 161 catches and 10 touchdowns. They were dead last in receiving yards with 1,723 and tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for last in first downs with 78. Up until this point in the offseason, their only significant move to address the position was signing Mack Hollins to a two-year, $8.4 million deal. While Hollins, at 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, can certainly contribute, the Patriots needed to make a bolder move to truly elevate their offense.
And bold they were. Before his injury, Diggs had a streak of six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. If anyone knows how dangerous Diggs can be, it’s the Patriots. During his time with the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills, Diggs recorded 61 catches against New England, tied for his most against any opponent. His 779 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns against the Patriots are his second most against any opponent.
The reaction from Patriots players on social media was telling. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez and veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne were among those who expressed their excitement and respect for Diggs. In Houston last season, quarterback C.J. Stroud praised Diggs, saying, “He’s been nothing but just amazing to this team and to his teammates. He’s helped me out a ton.” Stroud had even expressed hope that Diggs might return to the Texans in 2025.
The development of the Maye-Diggs combination will be one of the most intriguing storylines for the Patriots this season. The two players recently started following each other on Instagram, offering a public glimpse into their budding relationship.
The pairing of Maye and Diggs was weeks in the making. When the legal negotiating period of free agency began on March 10, the Patriots were in the mix for other top receivers. They offered big money to Chris Godwin, who ultimately chose to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also considered trading for DK Metcalf, who ended up with the Steelers, and passed on trading for veteran Cooper Kupp, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks. With options dwindling, the Patriots found their match in Diggs.
- Chris Godwin returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- DK Metcalf went to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Cooper Kupp signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
For Diggs, the Patriots offer a lucrative contract that might not have been available elsewhere, given his injury status. For the Patriots, Diggs fills a glaring need, and they had the financial flexibility to make it happen.
Of course, there is still work to be done. The left side of the offensive line remains a concern and will likely be addressed in the draft. But the addition of Diggs has the potential to be a game-changer for New England, with Maye standing to benefit the most.
Originally Written by: Mike Reiss
