As the offseason continues and some big-name players remain unsigned for the 2026 season, like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the Patriots remain connected to a few of the most intriguing names, with the four-time Pro Bowler at the top of the list.
Although they released him ahead of free agency just a few months ago, his market hasn't picked up, which has been shocking considering just how productive he was in his first season for New England, becoming the first receiver to reach 1,000+ receiving yards since Julian Edelman in 2020.
On top of an apparent lack of interest across the league, GM Eliot Wolf has kept the door open for Diggs' return, and that has fueled the hopes of fans who want to see the receiving corps get to the next level, particularly with a trade for AJ Brown appearing to be nearly official.
The problem is that analysts aren't so sure that it makes sense for Diggs to return, nor do they believe he necessarily wants to be back in Foxboro for the 2026 season, and that's a harsh truth fans might have to face.
Phil Perry isn't so sure that Stefon Diggs will be back in New England for the upcoming season
While speaking about Diggs on NBC Sports Boston's "Patriots Talk" podcast earlier this week, Phil Perry was hesitant to buy into the idea of the receiver's return to the team.
He cited his recent social media posts as his reasoning, noting that Diggs told the league he was "open for business" and, because of that, on top of the potential trade for Brown, he doesn't believe the Patriots will re-sign him any time soon.
“If they miss out on A.J Brown, I guess that’s a different topic, or it just gives it a new wrinkle that I’m not really considering right now. With A.J. Brown anticipated to be in the fold, I don’t see Stefon Diggs coming back. I don’t really think this court case had anything to do with the Patriots releasing him.
I think that the move to part ways with him was more about money owed and age and a willingness and a desire to upgrade, which I think they think they have done with Romeo Dobbs. Before even adding A.J Brown, I think they think they’re better off at that position right now.”
Perhaps he's right that there is more to his release than what was initially reported, but it was beyond clear that Diggs made an impact on and off the field, both of which are incredibly important to the long-term success of the offense and the team.
He became a go-to for Drake Maye in a very telling Year 2, and maintaining that continuity offensively would be a massive plus for the young quarterback. On top of that, he earned a role as a vocal leader for the entire team, not just the offense, and his impact was felt across the roster.
That's on top of being a productive member of the game day roster, and that matters a lot. Now that the court case is behind him, there's plenty of reason for the Patriots to re-engage in talks with Diggs to gauge his interest in a return and what it would take to get him back.
Giving Maye a receiving corps that includes Diggs and (hopefully) even Brown would make a significant difference in how their 2026 season could go, and after reaching the Super Bowl last year, it's crucial they keep that momentum going as long as possible.
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