The Stefon Diggs era is reportedly nearing its conclusion for the New England Patriots.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Diggs, per multiple reports, has been informed by the Patriots that they will release him at the start of the league year on March 11. Despite a successful and productive year together, the Patriots apparently decided that the veteran\u2019s rising salary cap hit for 2026 made this the appropriate time to move on.<\/p>\n
Diggs, who will turn 33 in November, was recently advised by the team that he must restructure his contract to lower the cap hit if he wished to remain in New England. A Patriots On SI source confirmed that the Pats were willing to give him an incentive-laden deal that allowed the veteran to earn back the money \u2013 if he produced accordingly on the field. When it was determined that restructuring his deal was not a concession he was willing to make, the decision was made to part ways.<\/p>\n While some will point to other reasons, Diggs\u2019 release appears to be financially motivated. Efforts to restructure were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n The #NEPats will incur $9.7M of dead cap, but free up $16.8M of cap space.<\/p>\n $1.7M of Diggs’ 2026 salary is fully guaranteed https:\/\/t.co\/o1Ovehg2BQ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/mdabateNFL\/status\/2029298856177922268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n Throughout the regular season and into the playoffs, Diggs was one of the Patriots\u2019 most productive pass-catchers, producing 1,013 yards on 85 catches and four touchdowns in 17 games this year \u2014 while adding 14 receptions for 110 yards and one score in the postseason.<\/p>\n Though he signed a three-year deal with New England last March, Diggs\u2019 $20.6 million base salary in 2026 was not fully guaranteed. With $1.7 million of his 2026 salary fully-guaranteed, the 32-year-old must be released after the league year begins at 4:00 p.m. on March 11. Still, by releasing him before June 1, they are in line to save $16.8 million.<\/p>\n Accounting for adding in another contract with the NFL\u2019s top 51 rule \u2014 stating that only the 51 most-expensive contracts count against the team\u2019s salary cap \u2014 Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan calculates New England\u2019s cap situation at $57,080,841 in available space after Diggs\u2019 official release – a $15.795 million increase from his last update.<\/p>\n Here is a look at Diggs\u2019 contract numbers, pre-and-post release, via Benzan<\/p>\n 2026 cap – $26.5 million 2027 cap – $26.5 million 2026 cap – $9.7 million 2027 cap – $0 When taking Diggs\u2019 salary implications, along with his\u00a0impending legal issues under account, it is a rational conclusion that New England opted for moving on from the talented wideout \u2014 especially if they are able to successfully pry a top-flight wideout such as A.J. Brown via trade away from the Philadelphia Eagles, or a by a free agency signing of Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce.<\/p>\n Still, the decision to part ways with the two-time All Pro does not come without risk. Perhaps factoring most prominently in the argument to retain Diggs\u2019 services was the working relationship he enjoyed with quarterback Drake Maye. The Pats\u2019 second-team All-Pro targeted the veteran receiver more than any other pass catcher last season. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that Maye preferred to see Diggs\u2019 remain in the Foxborough fold for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n \u201dHe can still be a big-time player in this league, and he showcased that,\u201d Maye said. \u201cHe’s got a lot of juice left in the tank, and he told me the other day he’s got a chance to really work on his craft in the offseason.<\/p>\n \u201cHe really didn’t have a chance last offseason coming from an injury, so he’s got a chance to get back and working and just trying get whatever’s left in his body. I know there’s some left, and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to hopefully throw him some more passes and watch [No.] 8 go.\u201d<\/p>\n Unfortunately for Maye, Diggs will be \u201cgoing\u201d while wearing a different uniform in 2026. As for the Patriots, the search for a new \u201cWR1\u201d is about to begin.<\/p>\n Make sure you bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Stefon Diggs era is reportedly nearing its conclusion for the New England Patriots. Diggs, per multiple reports, has been informed by the Patriots that they will… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":159986,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-159981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
\nStefon Diggs\u2019 Numbers Before his Release<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\n2026 cash – $22.5 million<\/p>\n
\n2027 cap – $22.5 million<\/p>\nAfter Diggs\u2019 Release:<\/h2>\n
\n2026 cash – $1.7 million (Patriots will receive credit on 2027 cap for any compensation Diggs receives this year)<\/p>\n
\n2027 cash – $0<\/p>\nThe End of a Beautiful Working Friendship<\/h2>\n