Stefon Diggs’ Contract Complications Amid Patriots Uncertainty

Foxborough, Massachusetts — Stefon Diggs‘ future with the New England Patriots hangs in the balance as the team awaits his physical clearance following a torn ACL last season. Initially reported as a three-year, $69 million deal, the circumstances surrounding Diggs’ contract are far more complicated.

According to sources, Diggs is entitled to receive a $12 million signing bonus, but only if he passes a full physical examination. The club’s physician will determine his readiness to practice and play. Until that happens, the Patriots owe him nothing.

Scott Zolak, a radio host and analyst for the Patriots Radio Network, recently indicated that the team might consider cutting Diggs. He noted, “It is being thought of,” during a live show. Zolak emphasized this is not solely due to a recent controversy involving a video of Diggs on a yacht, suggesting there may be other concerns about his commitment.

Details from Diggs’ contract add further complexity. Paragraph 26(a) specifies the signing bonus payment distribution, but Paragraph 26(b) makes it clear that all monetary entitlements depend on Diggs passing medical evaluations. If the team doctor believes Diggs is unfit to play, the organization can decide to terminate the contract with little financial consequence.

Compounding this situation is Paragraph 27(e), which relates to any pre-existing conditions in Diggs’ knee. If his contract is terminated due to the knee injury, the Patriots could void $10.6 million in guarantees. In effect, the team has options if they believe he cannot return to form.

The implications of Diggs’ recent conduct, particularly the video showing him with a bag containing a pink powder, could also factor into the Patriots’ decision-making process. His contract explicitly states he cannot engage in illegal or immoral activity, adding another layer to his potential for dismissal.

As it stands, if Diggs cannot pass the required physical, the Patriots could potentially walk away from the contract with no financial obligation. Thus, the next moves made by both Diggs and the team will be crucial in determining his fate as the 2025 NFL season approaches.