Source: Patriots to release WR Stefon Diggs after one season

Foxborough, Mass. — The new England Patriots reported veteran wide receiver stefon diggs According to a league source, he will be released next week at the start of the 2026 league year.

Diggs’ salary cap charge was set to increase from $10.5 million to $26.5 million, which was the catalyst for the move. Had he been on the roster by the end of next week, his contract would have guaranteed an additional $6 million.

Diggs posted a message on his Instagram Story: “Thank you for an amazing year. We’re family forever.”

The 32-year-old Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots last March and he quickly became one of the team’s inspirational leaders, as well as their top-producing receiver. He had a team-high 85 receptions for 1,013 yards with four touchdowns in the regular season. During the Patriots’ postseason run to Super Bowl LX, Diggs had 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in four playoff games.

However, Diggs is also facing strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef. Diggs has pleaded not guilty For the allegations. He is next scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing on April 1.

The Patriots now have to find a way to fill that void at quarterback drake may. they returned experienced mac hollins and fourth year prof. kayshon boute As their top receiver, with Demario “Pop” Douglas2025 third round pick kyle williams and 2025 undrafted free agents Afton Chism III Also on the depth chart.

At the NFL Scouting Combine last week, head coach Mike Vrabel said it was difficult to find a No. 1 receiver.

“They’re not going to be there in free agency. You’ve got to try to draft them. I think there’s a lot of them out there. You develop them,” Vrabel said.

The Patriots have 11 selections in this year’s draft, with their top pick being 31st overall.