The Patriots entered the 2025 offseason with the most cap space to utilize and a roster that needed more help than even that amount could afford. They began free agency with a bang by signing some of the best defensive players available, including DT Milton Williams, but neglected the offense entirely.
It raised concerns about the future of Drake Maye and the new regime's promise to surround the young quarterback with the right talent to help him succeed in his second season. They made an effort to acquire a game-changing wide receiver for the team, but ultimately missed out on the biggest names available to sign or trade for, instead focusing on selecting the right player for the job in the draft.
That seemed like the plan for much of the offseason so far, even when they had Stefon Diggs in for a visit last week and didn't offer him a contract.
However, that changed on Tuesday, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the receiver had reached an agreement with New England for a three-year deal worth up to $69 million.
Sources: The #Patriots are signing #Texans FA WR Stefon Diggs, one of the top free agents available. He gets a 3-year, $69M deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2025
After a successful visit to NE, including a physical thanks to an ACL tear that ended his 2024, he lands to be a key target for Drake Maye. pic.twitter.com/05RSv75gwc
The Patriots make a big signing for the offense by adding Stefon Diggs
There was considerable pessimism that the Patriots would find the wide receiver they needed before the upcoming draft, especially after Diggs left unsigned and appeared to be generating increased interest from other teams with a need for wide receivers.
It highlighted the Patriots need for CB/WR Travis Hunter to fall into their laps with the fourth overall pick, which began to look less and less likely by the day, even more so after the Giants, who pick third, signed a quarterback in free agency just minutes before Diggs was signed to New England.
That still might be the case if the Giants decide to skip on a quarterback this year and add Hunter to their offense, which is a big hit to the Patriots' plans, but they have Diggs now for Maye to work with. That's better than it looked prior to his signing.