Remember when Stefon Diggs being traded to the Houston Texans was one of the biggest shocks of last year’s NFL offseason? Fast forward to now, and the veteran wide receiver has finally found a new home – this time with the New England Patriots.
After what felt like a long wait in free agency, Diggs has agreed to a three-year deal with the Patriots, reportedly worth up to $69 million, with $26 million guaranteed. It’s a big payday for a player whose market had gone unusually quiet, especially considering his high-profile status in recent years, reported ESPN.
The reason for the silence? A torn ACL in his right knee in Week 8 of last season. It didn’t help that he’s turning 32 this November, and his production has been steadily dipping. Still, the lack of buzz was surprising for a player with Diggs’s CV.
Last season, Diggs was traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Texans in a bit of a stunner. The Bills sent him and a sixth-round pick to Houston in exchange for second- and fifth-round picks. Hopes were high, but the move didn’t pan out quite as planned. Diggs managed just 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games before the injury cut his season short.
Looking back, the Bills may have seen it coming. His numbers had been slipping: yards per game dropped from 89.3 in 2022 to 69.6 in 2023, and then down again to 62 last season. Touchdowns followed a similar path, falling from 11 to 8 to just 3. For a player entering his 11th NFL season, those are the sort of stats that raise eyebrows.
The Texans, curiously, restructured his deal after the trade, giving Diggs the option to hit free agency this offseason. Had he stayed fit and delivered a big season, it could’ve worked out brilliantly. Instead, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
But let’s not forget who we’re talking about. Diggs has made four Pro Bowls, put up six 1,000-yard seasons, and scored 70 touchdowns since his debut in Minnesota. He might not be the go-to No. 1 receiver he once was, but he’s still got something to offer.
After a quiet few months and a Texans stint that fizzled, Diggs’ next chapter begins in New England. It’s a fresh start, and maybe, just maybe, a chance to silence the doubters.
