Patriots insider hints Stefon Diggs might not last beyond 2025 season

The New England Patriots will begin the first major part of their rebuild when the free-agency tampering period opens on March 9. Deals can be struck quickly, and Mike Vrabel has definite needs to fill. The offensive line remains an issue, and the edge position is in flux. Another need that may emerge is the wide receiver.

Tom Curran of NBC Sports thinks the team may look to upgrade from 2025's best receiver and solid leader, Stefon Diggs, if they can.

Releasing Diggs could save about $16.8M on the cap. It's a sizable addition to their already solid cap space of more than $40M. Yet, No. 1 receivers don't grow on trees, and Diggs was just that for the 2025 Patriots with 85 catches and over 1,000 yards receiving. He also provided solid veteran leadership to a young team.

Another factor that mitigates against a separation is Diggs' off-field issue. Vrabel seems to have little tolerance for that type of situation, as was evident when he jettisoned a 2024 captain and solid player, Jabrill Peppers, last offseason.

Will Mike Vrabel look to replace Stefon Diggs this offseason?

If Mike Vrabel can see an option that might upgrade on Diggs, it would seem he'd certainly explore it. The question is who and how much it might cost. He knows he can save big on the cap by releasing Diggs, yet replacing him is a whole other matter.

Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston talking on WEEI radio said he thinks the Patriots will explore opportunities to move on from their top 2025 wide receiver, Stefon Diggs.

Will Stefon Diggs stay or go?

With several factors in play, it's not easy to predict whether Diggs will remain in Foxborough or be shipped out. One option is to restructure his contract if he's amenable to reduce his cap hit. That keeps your No. 1 in place and provides more cash to spend elsewhere.

Vrabel can also try to trade for a wide receiver like A.J. Brown from Philadelphia to replace Diggs if he's cut. But Brown will cost big in draft capital though he'd certainly be worth the expense if it's not outrageous. Other than that, there's the draft.

While drafting is a nice mechanism to replace good players, it's always a crap shoot, and any trade will minimize the ability to use a high pick to fill a mandatory need like offensive tackle. Vrabel has to devote considerable resources in the draft to offensive tackle, guard, and the edge. Those sack-related positions must be improved.

Coach Vrabel has a tough decision to make about Diggs before the March 11 deadline, when his guaranteed money kicks in. He'll either be cut by then or likely be around in 2026.

One thing is certain: if Diggs leaves, he'll have to be replaced, and as the Patriots have seen in the past, replacing a No. 1 receiver is easier said than done.