Drake Maye has a new weapon and the Patriots finally landed a former Pro Bowl receiver.
A source confirmed to MassLive the Patriots are signing veteran Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal worth $69 million. The 31-year-old comes to New England as one of the most accomplished receivers the franchise has seen in quite some time.
Diggs arrived in Foxborough on Wednesday for a visit. He reportedly had dinner with Patriots staff members that night. The team continued the visit on Thursday, where the veteran took a physical. The Patriots liked what they saw as the visit culminated with a new contract.
Coming off an ACL injury, which limited him to eight games last season, it’s unknown when Diggs will be available for Josh McDaniels, Maye, and the Patriots offense. When healthy, this 6-foot receiver has been one of the most dynamic pass catchers in the NFL. Last season, he caught 47 passes for 496 yards with three touchdowns.
Diggs averaged 62.0 yards per game last season. The Patriots haven’t had a receiver average 60 yards or more per game since Julian Edelman did so in 2019. That’s how long it’s been that the Patriots had a capable 1,000-yard threat in their offense. That’s not from the lack of trying.
Over the last two offseasons, the Patriots have swung and missed on their top receiver free-agent targets. Last year, the team pursued Calvin Ridley and offered to make up any difference in taxes. However, the veteran preferred to stay down south and signed with Tennessee. This year, the Patriots offered Chris Godwin more money than any team in free agency. However, the veteran didn’t want to leave Tampa Bay and left a reported $20 million on the table to stay with the Buccaneers.
The Patriots weren’t in the trade market for D.K. Metcalf or Deebo Samuel this offseason. They were interested in Cooper Kupp, but not for the price tag he desired before he signed with Seattle.
That led the Patriots to sign Diggs, a 4-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro. Before his ACL injury, the receiver made four-straight Pro Bowls from 2020-2023 with the Buffalo Bills. Diggs led the NFL in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535) in 2020. That earned him First-team All-Pro honors. He earned a Second-team All-Pro bid in 2022 after signing with 108 catches for 1,429 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Diggs started his career in Minnesota after the Vikings drafted him in the fifth round in 2015. He had his first 1,000-yard season in 2018. In that season, Todd Downing was the Vikings tight ends coach. The former offensive coordinator, under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, is now the Patriots receivers coach.
Diggs put up his best numbers with Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The Patriots hope he’ll provide Maye with a legitimate outside threat.
The franchise hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Edelman in 2019. Rob Gronkowski is the last Patriots pass catcher to earn Pro Bowl honors in 2015.
The Patriots also signed Mack Hollins this offseason as the team tries to revamp their offensive weapons to help their promising, young quarterback. Also on the depth chart are DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, John Jiles, and JaQuae Jackson.
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