In Foxborough, Massachusetts, veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs recounted how he took just one free agent visit before making his move to the New England Patriots official. The deal was sealed on Friday with a three-year contract. “I was weighing a couple of other options,” Diggs mentioned at Gillette Stadium, “but that’s all behind me now.”
A source, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, revealed that Diggs’ contract is valued at $69 million. This fits within what Diggs anticipated in terms of average yearly earnings, especially considering he’s recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury he picked up on October 27 while playing for the Houston Texans.
“I expected the contract to land around this range, given my recent injury,” Diggs explained. “But also because I’m among the few receivers to hit six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before getting hurt. My track record speaks volumes. I’ve always been able to move the chains, tackle intermediate routes, and go deep. The injury is the only reason the money is what it is now.”
Diggs, now 31, was presented to the team on Friday, with his mother, Stephanie, proudly sitting in the front row as he addressed the media. While Diggs refrained from setting a specific timeline for his return to practice, he sounded optimistic about his recovery progress. “I’m ahead of schedule,” he shared. “I’ve been committed to staying on track with my rehab.”
Though his interaction with second-year quarterback Drake Maye has been limited, Diggs is excited about building a strong partnership, reminiscent of his rapport with Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen from their 2020 to 2023 stint.
“It’s interesting,” Diggs noted. “People say Maye carries himself much like Josh, and Josh was my guy. We faced off against him last year, and he displayed incredible tenacity. He has that fiery, competitive quarterback spirit, which is the kind of energy I thrive on.”
On the “Green Light” podcast with former NFL player Chris Long, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel elaborated on the motivation to sign Diggs. “The aim was to bolster support for Drake and the team as a whole,” Vrabel said. “Diggs is a highly competitive and confident receiver who has consistently delivered throughout his career. His strength in play, physicality, and touch in the red zone all contribute to a style I’ve long admired. Conversations with him have only reinforced that impression.”
