Stefon Diggs Cut: Patriots Release WR Due to Salary Cap | NFL News

The New England Patriots are poised to part ways with wide receiver Stefon Diggs when the 2026 league year begins, marking a significant shift for the team’s offense after just one season with the veteran player. The move, first reported by ESPN, stems largely from financial considerations as Diggs’ salary cap hit was projected to increase substantially.

Diggs himself acknowledged the impending change with a post on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the organization and its supporters. “Thank you for a hell of a year,” he wrote. “We family forever.” The quick acknowledgment suggests a degree of mutual understanding regarding the business realities at play.

A Productive, But Costly, Season

The Patriots acquired Diggs last March in a three-year, $69 million deal, hoping to inject some much-needed firepower into their receiving corps. He quickly became the team’s primary receiving threat, leading the club with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season. His presence provided a reliable target for quarterback Drake Maye, contributing to a more stabilized offensive performance. Diggs continued to contribute during the Patriots’ playoff run, ultimately ending at Super Bowl LX, with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown across four postseason games.

However, Diggs’ contract included a clause guaranteeing an additional $6 million if he remained on the roster beyond the start of the new league year, and his salary cap hit was set to jump from $10.5 million to $26.5 million. These financial factors ultimately led the Patriots to make the difficult decision to release him, according to a league source.

Beyond the Field: Legal Challenges

The news of Diggs’ impending release comes amidst ongoing legal scrutiny. He is currently facing felony strangulation and related charges stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef. The Boston Herald reports that Diggs has pleaded not guilty, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1. While the legal situation is separate from the team’s financial decision, it adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Reshaping the Receiving Corps

With Diggs’ departure, the Patriots now face the task of rebuilding their receiving group. Veterans Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, along with DeMario Douglas, are currently the returning players expected to feature prominently. However, the team will likely look to address the position in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the challenge during the NFL Scouting Combine, stating, “You have to draft them. You develop them.” This sentiment underscores the Patriots’ likely strategy of focusing on building through the draft to fill the void left by Diggs. The Patriots currently hold 11 selections in the draft, including the No. 31 overall pick, providing them with ample opportunities to add receiving talent.

The Wide Receiver Market and Draft Strategy

The timing of Diggs’ release is notable, as elite wide receivers rarely become available in free agency. This scarcity further emphasizes the Patriots’ need to prioritize the position in the draft. NFL.com reports that the Patriots are now faced with the challenge of finding a new primary target for Maye. The draft class is expected to feature several promising wide receiver prospects, and the Patriots will likely be heavily involved in evaluating and potentially selecting one of them.

Diggs’ Career Trajectory

Stefon Diggs’ career has been marked by both high production and occasional turbulence. Before joining the Patriots, he spent five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and two with the Buffalo Bills, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic receivers. He earned a Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings in 2015 and consistently ranked among the league leaders in receiving yards and touchdowns during his time with the Bills. His arrival in New England was seen as a potential game-changer, and while he delivered a productive season, the financial realities ultimately led to this parting of ways.

What’s Next for the Patriots?

The Patriots’ immediate focus will be on navigating the upcoming NFL Draft and identifying potential replacements for Diggs. The team will also need to assess its existing receiving corps and determine how to best utilize the players already on the roster. Beyond the draft, the Patriots may also explore potential free agent options, even though the market for top-tier receivers is typically competitive. The team’s success in the 2026 season will largely depend on its ability to address the wide receiver position effectively.

The Patriots’ draft strategy will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With 11 picks, they have the flexibility to address multiple needs, but finding a receiver who can replicate Diggs’ production will be a top priority. The team’s front office will be tasked with identifying players who fit their offensive scheme and have the potential to become long-term contributors.

As the league year approaches, the Patriots are entering a period of transition. The release of Stefon Diggs signals a shift in direction, and the team’s future success will depend on its ability to adapt and rebuild its receiving corps. FOX Sports highlights the challenge of replacing a player of Diggs’ caliber, but also the opportunity for the Patriots to build a new and dynamic offense.