What's next for the Patriots and Stefon Diggs after release - ESPN

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.

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