After putting together the first 1,000+ receiving yards season since Julian Edelman in 2019, Stefon Diggs looked like he was the perfect addition to the Patriots roster at a very needy position. He became close with Drake Maye and immediately took on a leadership role for the entire team, even providing them with their most-used mantra for the 2025 season.
So it was somewhat surprising when the team announced they were releasing him after just one season into his three-year contract, and it made the need for more help in the receiver room that much more important.
Although they have already signed Romeo Doubs to help fill that void, they still need some more firepower for their quarterback to work with. That has kept them linked to a trade for AJ Brown, or maybe pursuing another unsigned free agent.
Or maybe they'll entertain the idea of bringing Diggs back, at least, that's not off the table, according to Eliot Wolf.
Eliot Wolf doesn't eliminate the possibility of the Patriots re-signing Stefon Diggs after his release
There were various reasons for the Patriots' decision to release Diggs this week, with Wolf sharing on Wednesday that his contract and potential in 2026 were among them. But when reporters asked about potentially bringing him back, Wolf didn't sound uninterested.
In fact, he left the door open for a quick reuinion.
“I wouldn’t say the door’s closed. I mean, again, we’re gonna look through every way we possibly can to help improve the team.”
It's an interesting development, considering the reports that Wolf confirmed about trying to renegotiate Diggs' contract before his release, and because that effort failed, they felt it was the right move to move on.
If the receiver wasn't interested in reworking his salary, and that meant he would no longer be on the team, what could possibly change between the two that would keep the door open for his return?
Regardless, it doesn't feel like a bad idea to explore, given just how good Diggs was for the offense, specifically Maye, and the leader he became for the entire roster. He made a strong impact in New England in a short amount of time, and that is invaluable for an organization trying to establish a new culture.
We know he can be productive, and that's what the offense will need in 2026. Unless they have another plan to boost the receiving corps, it wouldn't be outlandish to suggest Diggs' return. But that will also depend on whether other teams choose to pass on signing him.