Stefon Diggs Grabs Astounding New Contract

  |  
Mar 26, 2025
Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Stefon Diggs will try on his fourth chapter for size with the New England Patriots.

Stefon Diggs Grabs Astounding New Contract

The former Minnesota Vikings wideout tore his ACL last season, ending a one-year relationship with the Houston Texans and sending him to the free agent market this month, where he waited for over two weeks for a new employer.

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) talk after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

That’s the Patriots. Diggs will pair with second-year passer Drake Maye.

Stefon Diggs’ New Deal

ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday night, a full two weeks into NFL free agency: “ESPN Sources: Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs reached agreement on a three-year, $69 million deal including $26 million guaranteed with the New England Patriots.”

Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.

Schefter also chronicled this impressive list of new free agents in New England, a franchise that had money to burn this offseason:

  • WR Stefon Diggs
  • DT Milton Williams
  • DE Harold Landry
  • CB Carlton Davis
  • S Marcus Epps
  • RT Morgan Moses
  • LB Robert Spillane
  • C Garrett Bradbury
  • WR Mack Hollins
  • QB Joshua Dobbs
  • DT Khyiris Tonga
  • DE K’Lavon Chaisson

The contract makes Diggs the 17th highest-paid wideout in the business, fair market value for his age and injury recovery status.

The Fit in New England

Diggs will instantly headline this WR room for the Patriots:

  • Stefon Diggs
  • DeMario Douglas
  • Kayshon Boutte
  • Mack Hollins
  • Kendrick Bourne
  • Javon Baker
  • Ja’Lynn Polk
  • John Jiles
  • JaQuae Jackson
Stefon Diggs
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images.

Maye desperately needed more weapons for his second act in the NFL, and prior to Diggs signing on the dotted line, many wondered what New England was waiting for. Adding only Mack Hollins inside an offseason when New England had the most available cap space in the sport seemed a bit odd.

But with Diggs in the saddle, Maye will enjoy at least one battle-tested target that can field a sizable workload on Sundays.

The Feedback

NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry opined on the transaction: “One side benefit to the Diggs addition is how he’ll be able to rub off on the rest of the receiver room at One Patriot Place. He’s a fiery competitor and route-running technician who happens to be among the NFL’s most productive receivers of the last decade. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.”

“Pockets of the receiver room in Foxboro last year were viewed by the previous coaching staff as lacking maturity and the requisite level of professionalism. Diggs won’t only help raise the talent level of that group, but his approach might help rub off on young players who’d benefit from being around a player of his ilk.”

Before the signing, New England had no clear WR1, instead employing a hodgepodge of WR3 types. Diggs changes that, even at his advanced NFL age, by a wide receiver’s standard.

“They were able to sign Mack Hollins in free agency as a veteran presence for their receiver room. But in acquiring Diggs, they’ve given their young quarterback a bona fide weapon. Even if he wasn’t their first choice, he’s a clear upgrade,” Perry added.

Patriots in the Draft

New England can now feel a bit more flexible in the draft.

Before handing Diggs nearly $70 million, it needed a wide receiver, perhaps pigeonholing itself into drafting Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan in the draft.

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) during the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.

Now, though, the Patriots can explore offensive tackles — it needs those, too — a running back like Ashton Jeanty, the best player available, or a trade back on draft night.

Travis Hunter (CB, WR), Will Campbell (OT), Armand Membou (OT), and Abdul Carter (EDGE) are names to monitor at pick No. 4 for New England.

The NFL Draft is 29 days away.

Diggs will turn 32 in November.

There's a Ryan Tannehill Update for Vikings
Also Read:
There’s a Ryan Tannehill Update for Vikings

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.