After missing out on almost every appealing free agent wide receiver and deciding not to make a blockbuster trade to acquire one, the Patriots made the surprising move to bring in Stefon Diggs for a visit last week. He had not been a name rumored to be on their radar, but fans were excited that it looked like the new regime was finally making a much-needed move.
The 31-year-old was reportedly in town for a visit on Wednesday night, having dinner with several staffers, and went in for a workout and physical the following day. It appeared to be a good sign on all fronts, mainly since no other team had expressed interest in bringing Diggs on for the 2025 season.
That factor seemed to work in the Patriots' favor, and we all know how much they need a receiver of Diggs' caliber. So that made most fans and analysts not want to hear any update about his visit unless it was the announcement of his signing.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and Diggs left New England intending to remain in touch with the Patriots this offseason. It felt like the DeAndre Hopkins situation all over again from the 2023 offseason, with players and coaches taking him out to dinner and spending the entire next day at the facility only to leave and sign with the Titans later that week.
However, some social media activity from Diggs and even Drake Maye might be a sign of a better situation about to unfold.
Stefon Diggs latest follow on Instagram paints a more positive picture of his visit with the Patriots
Although social media activity doesn't mean a lot, especially in a situation like this, fans noticed that Diggs had recently followed the Patriots quarterback on Instagram on Friday, which Maye reciprocated in a follow back.
It caught the attention of those in New England because they were not previously following each other, so the recent follow could be a sign that the visit did go well and Diggs might be serious about joining the team.
Yes, this is true and although it doesn’t mean anything it’s definitely worth monitoring.
— Ben Belford-Peltzman (@thepatriotsbeat) March 21, 2025
The two weren’t following each other last week… https://t.co/upaZKrC7me pic.twitter.com/a6400JX1bb
Because we live in a digital age and people are online throughout the day, it's hard to see this and not think it's a positive sign for the chances of Diggs joining the Patriots receiving corps. It might not be the most ideal situation for him since he will be coming from the playoff contending Texans and the reigning AFC East champions before that.
But he's not in the same situation he once was, as he's coming off a season abruptly ended by an ACL injury, and he's one of the older available players to sign. Most teams would prefer to either sign the younger and healthier players or look to the draft for their next receiver.
The Patriots don't have that luxury, so bringing in a guy like Diggs is a good move. He would be a tremendous asset for Maye to work with and immediately make the offense better.
For now, though, we have to play the waiting game to see what inevitably happens.