Stefon Diggs' comeback is underway with the Patriots - ESPN

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — On Sunday evening, Stefon Diggs entered the New England Patriots auditorium and stepped up to the podium with an energetic hop.

«Everyone looks so comfortable,» he said, greeting the media with a smile.

The Patriots had just cruised to a 42-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers, in which the wide receiver, too, looked comfortable. For the first time in 22 games, he crossed the 100-receiving yard threshold. He called it a «turn the corner» day.

«I'm just super excited and want to keep building,» Diggs said.

When the Patriots signed the four-time Pro Bowler to a three-year, $69 million contract in March, there were many uncertainties.

It was unknown if Diggs, who sustained a torn right ACL last October, would be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. If he was, there was no guarantee he could once again deliver as a No. 1 receiver in his 11th NFL season. Or how he would fit into the new Patriots regime led by coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Those questions percolated in the spring when Diggs was in and out of the team's voluntary workout program which had an otherwise high attendance rate. He made headlines by appearing in a video on a boat that went viral, forcing Vrabel to address it.

Behind the scenes, though, Diggs was working hard to rehab his ACL injury in Florida and to get back on the field as quickly as possible. He was ready by training camp, with his personal athletic trainer calling it a «historically fast» recovery.

Now four weeks into the 2025 season, Diggs, 31, is emerging as an ideal fit with the Patriots.

«Putting in that time, putting in that grind throughout camp, I feel like you don't know what it's going to be like until the season is here.