Stefon Diggs to the Patriots? Analyzing the Impact of Top Free Agent Moves

The New England Patriots’ acquisition of veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs has sent shockwaves through the NFL. After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, new head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots’ front office, led by Eliot Wolf, are making significant moves to revitalize the team. The addition of Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, aims to provide second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a reliable target and inject much-needed experience into the Patriots’ receiving corps. But what does this move really mean for the Patriots and the wider NFL landscape?

Diggs’ Deal: A Closer Look

While initial reports suggested a three-year, $69 million deal, the contract’s intricacies reveal a more team-friendly structure. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports the deal has a base value of $63.5 million with $5.5 million in incentives. Of the base pay, $16.6 million is fully guaranteed, and $22.6 million is guaranteed for injury.

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown:

2025: Diggs can earn $18.5 million, including a $12 million signing bonus, $2.9 million fully-guaranteed base salary, $3.4 million in per-game roster bonuses, and a $200,000 workout bonus.
2026: Only $1.7 million of his $20.6 million base pay is fully guaranteed, with $6 million guaranteed for injury.
2027: Diggs could earn up to $22.5 million, but nothing is guaranteed.

Diggs can unlock the full $5.5 million in incentives in 2025 by reaching 100 receptions for 1,300 yards. He also receives $500,000 for each Pro Bowl selection.

This contract structure protects the Patriots, as Diggs must perform at a high level to reach the maximum value. It essentially functions as a one-year, $18.5 million deal with team options for the subsequent years.

Patriots’ Offseason Overhaul

The Patriots’ acquisition of Diggs is part of a broader effort to revamp their roster. They’ve also added offensive tackle Morgan Moses, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and center Garrett Bradbury to bolster the offense. Defensively, they’ve signed defensive lineman Milton Williams, edge rusher Harold Landry, and cornerback Carlton Davis.

These moves address critical needs, particularly on the offensive side. The Patriots ranked near the bottom of the league in pass-blocking (31st) and run-blocking (32nd) win rate last season. Providing a stable environment for Maye is crucial for his development, and the additions of Moses and Bradbury aim to improve the offensive line’s performance.

The Impact on Drake Maye

The arrival of Stefon Diggs is undoubtedly a significant boost for Drake Maye. As a rookie in 2024, Maye lacked a true No. 1 receiver, hindering his progress. Diggs, when healthy, provides a proven target with a track record of success.

“Really, the Patriots need two starting wide receivers,” notes Zack Cox from NESN. “They don’t have a clear starting outside ‘X,’ and then one of either a ‘Z’ or slot receiver – whichever role won’t be filled by Stefon Diggs.”

While Diggs fills the primary receiver role, the Patriots still need to find additional weapons for Maye. The 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to add more talent to the receiving corps.

Diggs’ Injury Concerns

A significant concern surrounding Diggs is his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in October 2024. At 31 years old, coming off a major injury, there are questions about his ability to return to his previous form.

However, reports suggest optimism that Diggs will be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season. If he can regain his explosiveness and route-running prowess, he’ll be a valuable asset for the Patriots.

The Bills’ Perspective

The Stefon Diggs saga in Buffalo ended with a trade to the Houston Texans in the 2024 offseason. After a less-than-stellar season in Houston, Diggs found himself on the move again.

Trading Diggs has left the Buffalo Bills with a significant dead cap hit. According to Spotrac, the Bills’ dead cap number sits at $70 million, the third-highest in the league. This limits their financial flexibility and ability to make significant additions in free agency.

The Bills have made some moves to address their wide receiver needs, signing Joshua Palmer to a three-year, $36 million deal. However, they still lack a true No. 1 receiver to replace Diggs.

Analyzing Other Top Free Agent Moves

The 2025 free agency period has seen several other notable moves involving wide receivers:

Chris Godwin: Re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three years, $66 million.
Davante Adams: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams for two years, $46 million.
Cooper Kupp: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks for three years, $45 million.

These moves highlight the high value placed on proven wide receivers in today’s NFL. Teams are willing to invest significant resources to acquire players who can impact the passing game.

Patriots’ Draft Strategy

With Stefon Diggs now in the fold, the Patriots can approach the 2025 NFL Draft with a more flexible strategy. They can focus on selecting the best player available, regardless of position, rather than reaching for need.

“The best player available is going to be the way it is,” said Eliot Wolf. “Maybe we went for need a little bit too much last year. Obviously that culminated in us drafting Drake Maye, so it wasn’t all bad. But, just moving forward, it’s taking the best player, and understanding that we’ve filled a lot of needs already in free agency.”

Potential draft targets for the Patriots include LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, and Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.

Conclusion

The New England Patriots’ acquisition of Stefon Diggs is a bold move that addresses a critical need at wide receiver. While concerns exist about his injury recovery, Diggs has the potential to transform the Patriots’ passing game and provide Drake Maye with a reliable target.

The Patriots’ offseason overhaul reflects a commitment to improving the team’s overall talent level. By combining free agent acquisitions with smart draft picks, they aim to return to contention in the AFC East.