The New England Patriots will make their first Super Bowl appearance since February 2019 in just a week. As exciting as reality is, being an underdog has led to early offseason speculation.
One move that could shock the league would be the release of one of the team's star players. In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, Stefon Diggs is one of three Patriots suggested as a potential cap casualty.
The move would be surprising, but there is a world in which it happens. Releasing Diggs, who will turn 33 next season, would save just shy of $17 million. While his play was a breath of fresh air for Patriots fans, there's a real possibility his production drops off as he ages, and with the potential addition of other targets for Maye.
Despite this, it would still seem foolish to release the former Maryland Terrapin.
Releasing Stefon Diggs is a possibility for the Patriots during the 2026 offseason
The release of Diggs would come as a shock, no doubt. His 85 catches and 1,013 yards this season led the team, and he had five 100+ yard games, something the entire 2024 squad accomplished only once.
Nonetheless, his release isn't an impossibility. While his play being the reason seems unlikely, his cap charge and off-field concerns are more likely catalysts. Diggs is set to appear in court after the Super Bowl for strangulation and assault.
There's a world where Diggs is cut loose in the event the charges materialize into any sort of major punishment, and the Patriots add a star wideout. Ideally, Diggs will be on the roster along with a star receiver addition. As he ages, he's clearly one of Maye's favorite targets.
Releasing Diggs for finances alone would be foolish. The Patriots can't afford to lose a playmaker and Maye's favorite target. Nonetheless, off-field concerns, coupled with the addition of a star, could make Diggs a release candidate.
Retirement might become a more likely option for Stefon Diggs
A far more likely scenario would be Diggs retiring if New England wins the Super Bowl. While he's made well over $100 million in his NFL career, a Super Bowl ring is not yet on the veteran's finger.
While a release to cut costs would be foolish, there's a possibility Diggs isn't on the team in 2026 regardless.
Releasing Diggs is unnecessary for the time being. Barring a development with his legal case or retirement following a Super Bowl win, I'd expect him to be on the field for the Patriots once again next year.