The New England Patriots trusted Stefon Diggs when no one else would. He was aging and coming off a major injury, and it looked like he no longer had what it took to be 'the man.' They helped him recover and get back on his feet, and they stayed by his side through some controversy.
Diggs responded with a solid season. He helped Drake Maye's development by hauling in 85 of 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four scores. He then went MIA in the playoffs, but his first (and lone) season in Foxborough was a strong one. Even so, it was time to cut him loose.
Notably, Diggs was pretty close to tormenting the Patriots twice a year. According to Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins were one of his strongest suitors before he ultimately signed with the Washington Commanders.
The Patriots won't have to deal with Stefon Diggs' revenge games
While he's no longer at the peak of his powers, Diggs holds grudges. He didn't leave Gillette Stadium on bad terms, but he's got a history of burning bridges, and he's often made statements against his former teams.
Diggs has faced the Minnesota Vikings twice, and while he has yet to score against them, he's logged 22 receptions for 222 yards in those two games, including a 12-catch, 128-yard explosion the first time he faced them.
Then, in the three games he's played against the Buffalo Bills since leaving town, he's registered 19 catches for 254 yards. He reeled in 10 of 12 targets for 146 yards in their first meeting last season before a much more modest three-catch, 26-yard performance late in the season.
Of course, this isn't to say that Diggs would've been a huge problem for Mike Vrabel's defense had he joined the Dolphins, especially given their quarterback situation.
That said, he's still one of the best wide receivers of his generation, and while he should have no reason to hold any ill toward the Patriots, a player of his caliber can always turn back the clock and have an elite performance.
At the end of the day, the Patriots did what was best for them. They always knew they had a strong chance at landing A.J. Brown, and it's not like Diggs did himself any favors with all the off-the-field scandals he was dealing with. They thanked him for his services, as they should, and made a business decision.
Just like he shouldn't be mad at the Patriots, Pats fans have no reason to hold grudges. Yes, he was underwhelming in the playoffs, but given how the passing game struggled as a whole, it's hard to put it all on him.
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