Patriots Host Stefon Diggs Amid Free Agency Moves

The New England Patriots are taking significant steps to enhance their roster as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. Recently, the team hosted free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a visit in Foxborough, Massachusetts, as they look to bolster a wide receiver position that struggled during the last season.

This meeting, reported on March 19, 2025, by Chad Graff of The Athletic, marks Diggs' first official visit during this free agency period. The 31-year-old wideout, who spent the previous season with the Houston Texans, is recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained during a game on October 29, 2024, against the Tennessee Titans.

During his time with the Texans in 2024, Diggs appeared in eight games, catching 46 passes for 496 yards and scoring three touchdowns. This performance followed six consecutive seasons where he exceeded 1,000 receiving yards, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier receivers prior to his injury.

Despite a highly productive career, Diggs now faces scrutiny as he enters his first free agency experience with a notable injury history. The challenges he faces are compounded by a 19-game stretch without achieving 100 receiving yards, the longest of his career. His potential to contribute effectively hinges on his recovery progress, as he prepares to undergo medical evaluations related to his knee injury. If the Patriots find the necessary assurances regarding Diggs’ health, talks for a potential contract could advance rapidly.

The Patriots entered this free agency period with significant motivation to rejuvenate their receiving corps. In the 2024 season, their wideouts collectively amassed just 1,723 receiving yards, the lowest total in the NFL. Current standout options for New England include Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Demario Douglas, none of whom have the established track record that Diggs possesses.

Diggs brings with him not only the star power but also the familiarity that can help dictate the Patriots’ offensive rhythm. His experience with quarterback Josh Allen, during stints with the Buffalo Bills, showcased his ability to elevate the play of those around him, and the Patriots are eager for any revelation that might help their new QB, Drake Maye, the third overall pick from the 2024 Draft. Throughout his career, Diggs has accumulated 492 receptions and a staggering 5,858 receiving yards since 2020, figures that rank sixth-highest in the league.

New England’s head coach and offensive staff are aware of Diggs’ capabilities, as there are existing ties between them and the player. Notably, wide receivers coach Todd Downing previously worked with the Minnesota Vikings during Diggs' early years, while offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ brother, Ben, served as Diggs' position coach in Houston.

However, given the severity of his ACL tear, it is clear that any potential signing would come with a risk. Reports indicate that Diggs might not be ready to hit the field until well into the regular season, reflecting on how the Patriots might approach his integration into their game plan.

The Patriots are not alone in their pursuit of voids in their roster through free agency. The landscape of available talent is shrinking rapidly, with several key wide receivers already signed to new teams, making Diggs one of the top remaining options on the market. However, with other notable names still available, including Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen, the negotiations surrounding Diggs could be pivotal in determining his immediate future in the league.

For the Patriots, the urgency to sign a player like Diggs cannot be understated. With a quarterback in Maye looking to build chemistry with reliable pass catchers, adding an experienced playmaker like Diggs could be exactly what New England needs to refocus their offensive strategy. Whether or not the visit materializes into a signed contract will determine if the team can turn around their fortunes against a tough AFC competition.

Overall, this visit signifies an ongoing negotiation and assessment period between Diggs and the Patriots as they seek to fill a critical void. The upcoming NFL Draft is also approaching, where teams will be expected to finalize their strategies between veteran acquisitions and fresh rookie talent. As teams nearby bolster their rosters for 2025, the pressure mounts for the Patriots to secure a deal that will see them return to competitive form in the ever-evolving NFL landscape.