Stefon Diggs is reportedly in Foxborough this week as the New England Patriots seek to bolster their wide receiver squad during the ongoing NFL free agent season. In a crucial visit that caught the attention of both sports analysts and fans, Diggs, 31, met with the Patriots' coaching staff, including new receivers coach Todd Downing, who previously worked with him at the Minnesota Vikings.
According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, this visit is significant not only for the potential signing of the four-time Pro Bowler but also for medical evaluations related to Diggs' recent knee surgery. He underwent an operation following a torn ACL suffered in a non-contact incident back on October 27, 2024. His injury limited his appearances to just eight games in the 2024 season, where he recorded 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 62.0 yards per game. While Diggs has established himself as one of the premier receivers in the NFL with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2018 to 2023, his recent history of injuries, especially heading into a new season, makes his situation precarious.
Diggs' visit to Foxborough, as reported on March 19, 2025, is considered a crucial step for the Patriots as they look to strengthen their receiving corps, which has been lacking in depth and experience in recent years. Historically, the team has not had a receiver average more than 60 yards per game since Julian Edelman in 2019. The Patriots' efforts to secure high-profile free agents have been largely unsuccessful, with attempts to sign players like Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin falling through. Diggs represents a potential anchor for the team’s offense, particularly as they look to improve after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
Notably, Diggs' signing would be more than just a statistical improvement—his veteran presence would likely benefit not only younger players like Ja’Lynn Polk and Kendrick Bourne but also the overall competitive spirit within the Patriots' locker room. Furthermore, the connection between Downing and Diggs could facilitate a smooth integration into the Patriots' offense, where established rapport often translates into on-field success.
The Patriots experienced disappointing results from last season’s free-agent acquisition, K.J. Osborn, who played sparingly and failed to contribute significantly. His release in December came as little surprise given his paltry stats: seven receptions for 57 yards across 18 targets. Such setbacks highlight the importance of effectively scouting and selecting veteran players who can immediately impact the team's performance.
Back in the earlier seasons of his career, Diggs, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, showcased exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure. With the Vikings, he became a household name, establishing himself as an elite receiver before being traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2020 to 2023. His notable performance in the 2020 season, where he led the league with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards, underscored his capabilities as a top-tier player. The success he achieved with the Bills makes him a coveted target now during this free agency.
Overall, the Patriots are poised to make a significant decision that could alter the course of the upcoming season. As they weigh the risks associated with signing an injury-prone player against the potential benefits of bringing in such a talented receiver, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Diggs officially becomes a member of the New England roster.
With the clock ticking on free agency, keeping an eye on how New England navigates these negotiations will be crucial. The discussions surrounding Diggs are a microcosm of the broader challenges within the league during this off-season, where injuries and contract negotiations are a common theme among teams working to build competitive rosters.
If the Patriots can convince Diggs to join their ranks, they may finally have the necessary weaponry to revive their offense and return to playoff contention. After several seasons of both poor performance and missed opportunities in the free-agent market, signing a player of Diggs' caliber can offer the Patriots not just on-field talent but also hope for a resurgence in their fortunes as a storied franchise.
