FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are releasing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs after one season with the team, according to multiple media reports, ending a brief tenure that followed his high-profile free-agent signing in 2025. The decision comes days before the start of the NFL’s free-agency period and was confirmed by league sources cited by ESPN and CBS Sports.
Diggs, 32, joined the Patriots last offseason on a three-year contract worth about $69 million, including $26 million guaranteed, after previous stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. The move was designed to provide a proven No. 1 receiving option for quarterback Drake Maye as the franchise rebuilt its offense.
During the 2025 season, Diggs led the Patriots in receiving production, finishing with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns across 17 regular-season games, according to ESPN statistics. Despite the output, the team exercised a contractual option that allowed it to move on after the first year.
Financial considerations were a major factor in the decision. Diggs was due a $6 million roster bonus later in March, and releasing him creates significant salary-cap savings for the franchise ahead of free agency, CBS Sports reported.
The Patriots reached the Super Bowl during Diggs’ lone season in New England but were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks, concluding a campaign in which the veteran receiver remained a central target in the passing game.
Diggs’ tenure with the team also coincided with legal proceedings stemming from an alleged December 2025 incident in Massachusetts. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of strangulation and assault, and the case remains pending in court.
With his release, Diggs becomes an unrestricted free agent and will be eligible to sign with another NFL team when the league’s free-agency window opens later in March, according to league reports.
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Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
