Patriots Host Stefon Diggs Amid Wide Receiver Search

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are exploring an opportunity to enhance their struggling wide receiver corps by hosting veteran Stefon Diggs for a visit, according to a league source. Diggs, a 10-year NFL veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, is looking to bounce back after an injury-shortened season with the Houston Texans.

Diggs, 31, was limited to just eight games last season due to a season-ending ACL tear, finishing with 496 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Despite this setback, the Patriots are eyeing him as a potential key addition to an offense in need of firepower.

Before his tenure with the Texans, Diggs spent four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he was selected to the Pro Bowl each year. He gained notoriety for his memorable “Minneapolis Miracle” touchdown in the 2017 playoffs while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2015.

The Patriots’ current depth chart at wide receiver leaves much to be desired, with Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Ja’Lynn Polk as the top options heading into the 2025 season. Their struggles in free agency became evident when they lost out on several notable names, including Cooper Kupp, who opted to stay with the Los Angeles Rams.

“We’ve been committed to strengthening our roster this offseason, and that includes exploring all available avenues,” said Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. “Stefon has shown he can be a top receiver, and adding someone of his caliber would be beneficial for our team.”

Current receiver Mack Hollins was brought in as a potential upgrade, yet many still believe he alone cannot carry the load. With rookie draft picks like Polk and Javon Baker having disappointing seasons, the Patriots recognize the urgency of finding a seasoned presence.

Rumors have circulated about potential trades for other wide receivers, particularly Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers, who is apparently available as the team restructures its roster.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Diggs’ recovery, he is reportedly healing well following his surgery and may not be as much of a risk as other players with similar injuries. However, should the visit with the Patriots lead to a contract, it remains unclear if he would be game-ready by Week 1 of the regular season.

As the Patriots continue to strategize their options, the focus remains on critical offensive upgrades to support quarterback Drake Maye. “Our aim is to put together the most competitive team possible heading into 2025,” Vrabel emphasized.

The possibility of signing Diggs aligns with the Patriots’ strategy of seeking impactful players who can define the team’s identity. While the franchise’s pursuit of a standout receiver has not yielded immediate results this offseason, a signing with Diggs could signal a turning point for an offense longing for stability and efficacy.

As of now, Diggs’ visit is just a meeting, but speculation about a swift agreement is building, reflecting the Patriots’ urgency in addressing their roster challenges ahead of the new season.