Upgrading the receiving corps is expected to be a focus for the Patriots through the rest of the offseason, including the draft, which has connected them to several players who remain free agents or could become available via trade.
They made the need for more talent even stronger when they chose to release Stefon Diggs after just one season in New England, despite how well he performed as the WR1 and impressed with his leadership ability so early in his tenure. That has had many think he should come back to Foxboro, and apparently, that's not completely ruled out.
EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf hasn't shut down the idea of reuniting with Diggs this offseason, and he doubled down on that during his recent appearance on Up & Adams this week.
Although his response was pretty bland and politically correct, it is still on par with how he answered the question last month, when reporters questioned the decision during their first meeting with the team's initial batch of free agents.
Patriots Exec. VP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf on a potential Pats-Stefon Diggs reunion:
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 30, 2026
"I never like to rule anything out... Don't want to close the door on anything." 👀@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/CfNjKKEGhf
Given that they have only signed Romeo Doubs thus far, it makes sense that the door wouldn't be shut on Diggs returning, especially since the main reason for his release was his salary, not a lack of talent or fitness within the offense.
Stefon Diggs might return to New England sooner than Patriots fans thought
Because Diggs hasn't received much interest since becoming a free agent this offseason, it wouldn't be a bad choice for him and the Patriots to revive conversations about getting him back to Foxboro.
He asserted himself as a leader not only of the offense but also of the locker room in 2025 and became the first receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 to record 1,000+ receiving yards in New England. The connection with Drake Maye was evident in every game, and reinstalling him into the offense this upcoming season would ensure it continues to grow.
That continuity will be important for Maye's development, and it should be a priority for the Vrabel regime moving forward.
Other options at this point appear to be only via trade for the Patriots, with AJ Brown continuing to lead the way. If they aren't willing to give up draft capital to accomplish that, then their best bet will be signing a veteran free agent, and there might be nobody better than Diggs.
Unless there are other issues the public hasn't been told about, it's hard to overlook just how much he contributed during the 2025 season and viewing his return as a bad thing. At least know it's a possibility if they aren't able to bring in other talent the rest of the offseason and/or in the draft.