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Stefon Diggs New England Patriots

The New England Patriots made some cuts to their original group of eight wideouts contained within the 53 man roster on Thursday when they cut both veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne – at his request – and 2024 fourth round pick, Javon Baker.

Now down to just six players in a receiving corps that also holds training camp standout and un-drafted rookie, Efton Chism, some are concerned about the lack of receiving weapons for second year quarterback, Drake Maye.

However, some are less worried, including CBS’ Joel Corry, who believes that current WR1, Stefon Diggs, could be set for a “bounce back” year.

“It was evident that Nico Collins was the Houston Texans‘ primary receiving option before Diggs tore the ACL in his right knee last October.” Corry wrote on Friday, “Nonetheless, Diggs caught 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.

The 31-year-old signed a three-year, $63 million contract worth a maximum of $69 million through incentives with the Patriots in March a couple of weeks into free agency. The deal has $26 million in guarantees where $20 million was fully guaranteed at signing.”

Stefon Diggs Could Be Motivated By Incentive-Based Contract Structure

In the ‘Agent’s Take’ segment, Corry also points to the smart Patriots incentive structure for a reason why Diggs will be extra motivated to ensure he has a strong year in the North East.

“The Patriots did a good job of protecting themselves in case there are lingering effects from Diggs knee injury. Diggs is scheduled to make $18.3 million this year but $3.4 million is in per-game roster bonuses where he gets $200,000 for each game he is active. The lowest statistical thresholds for Diggs’ $4.5 million in 2025 incentives are 70 receptions and 1,000 yards receiving.

If Diggs doesn’t earn any of the incentives, he probably won’t get a second year with the Patriots. He makes $22.5 million in 2026. Only $1.7 million of Diggs’ $20.6 million 2026 base salary was fully guaranteed at signing. An additional $6 million that is guaranteed for injury (excludes the pre-existing right knee injury) becomes fully guaranteed next March 13 on the third day of the 2026 league year.”

What Are The Realistic Expectations For Diggs In Year 11?

No one is expecting Diggs to go back to being one of the top five or top ten wideouts in the NFL heading into his age 31/32 season. But he still likely has upside as a lower end #1, higher end #2 in the league.

Diggs was on track for a 1,000+ receiving yard season prior to tearing his ACL in Week 8 of the 2024 season, and head coach, Mike Vrabel, announced that he will be good to go come the regular season opener next Sunday.

His rehab has gone well, according to sources – so it is certainly not out of the question that the team will be hoping that he can perform at 75% of the level he hit during his peak years in Minnesota and Buffalo.

If he can lead the corps and top 1,000 yards through the air, the coaching staff and execs will likely feel at least modestly content with their signing.

Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas