October 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) protects the ball from Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Image The New England Patriots plan to release veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs next week when the league year begins, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.
The 32-year-old confirmed the reports by posting a photo of himself on the field in a white New England jersey on social media, captioning it “Grateful for the past year. We are family forever,” adding a red heart emoji.
The former All-Pro played 17 games for the AFC champion Patriots in his only season with the team in 2025. He was due a $6 million contract guarantee on March 13 while serving as the No. 1 target for young quarterback Drake Maye. This is part of his 2026 base salary of $20.6 million.
Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with New England in March after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the 2024 season while playing for the Houston Texans.
His recovery was successful. He caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns as part of his seventh career 1,000-yard season.
A fifth-round draft pick out of Maryland by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, Diggs went on to become a four-time Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings (2015-19), Buffalo Bills (2020-23), Texans and Patriots.
His All-Pro season came in 2020. He caught 127 passes for 1,535 yards, both of which led the league, and eight touchdowns.
In 161 career games (153 starts), Diggs has 942 receptions for 11,504 yards and 74 touchdowns. His receptions and yards ranked in the top six among active players.
Off the scene, Diggs was charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery after an altercation with a personal chef. He is scheduled to appear in court again on April 1.
–Field level media
