Throughout the past several offseasons, Patriots fans made it clear that the offense needed a top-tier wide receiver, which only became more important once they added Drake Maye to their roster. That was also the main goal of the new regime led by Mike Vrabel, ultimately leading them to sign Stefon Diggs in free agency after several other teams chose to pass.
Given his impressive career, there were high hopes he would be exactly what the offense needed and elevate them to being a legitimate threat, despite coming off an ACL injury, and Diggs easily accomplished that while breaking some records in the process.
The receiver has been a significant boost to Maye's second season, and his performance against the Dolphins, although not flashy, officially makes him the first receiver since Julian Edelman to record 1,000+ receiving yards in a season.
It prompted an immediate response from Vrabel after the game, which certainly proves just how valued he is by the team.
Stefon Diggs has proven he's exactly the weapon the Patriots needed for Drake Maye
Vrabel made his feelings on Diggs crystal clear after their dominant win over the Dolphins, going so far as to say he's glad that they have him because of his energy and production.
We've seen the leader he has immediately become for the entire team, not just the offense, and that will be needed during the playoffs, as he is the most experienced player on the current roster.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on Stefon Diggs:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) January 5, 2026
“Very consistent. I mean, he sits [in the front row] everyday. He’s up front, he’s attentive. There’s an energy to him… and then the production I think has been fantastic. I’m glad that we have him.”
(🎥 @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/4DG5qTjzG1
It doesn't go without controversy, however, as Diggs was accused of disturbing actions last week that could become a problem down the road.
At this point, the Patriots have shown their support for the receiver, and the NFL hasn't made any moves to place him on the exempt list, but it's certainly something to monitor with the playoffs now the main focus.
As of now, he joins the Patriots' history books by recording his seventh 1,000+-yard receiving season, and Maye will need to utilize him in the playoffs if the offense wants to stay afloat. We'll have to see if Diggs will remain available to make that happen.