Since the Patriots unexpectedly released wide receiver Stefon Diggs just one year into his three-year contract, there have been rumors suggesting he could make his way back to New England, as his time as a free agent hasn't gone according to plan.
EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf even hinted at the possibility when asked by reporters, and based on how the team conducted free agency and the draft, it looked even more like Diggs' return was inevitable.
And while that still could be true, even with a potential trade for AJ Brown, the Patriots just sent a message to Diggs that might mean he's out of sight, out of mind.
It was announced on Friday afternoon that Kyle Williams, a 2025 third-round draft pick, was switching his jersey number from 18 to No. 8, the one Diggs wore in his lone season. Although that doesn't mean he can't return, since he could easily pick a different number, it does show they're not setting it aside for an impending Diggs re-signing.
The chance of Stefon Diggs returning to the Patriots looks far less likely now
Because they only signed Romeo Doubs in free agency and didn't draft a wide receiver in last week's draft, there was a fair chance that Diggs would make sense to go back to New England.
He is still a free agent, despite putting together another 1,000+ receiving yards season after suffering an ACL injury the year before. Apparently, teams aren't all that interested in bringing him in, which has only made his return to Foxboro appear even stronger.
That might not be in the cards now, with the UDFAs signed and the impending Brown trade. However, giving Drake Maye another trusted weapon to work with on a cheaper deal, since that was reportedly part of why they chose to release him, would be a great idea.
If they want to put the offense over the top and surround their franchise quarterback with the best talent to elevate their chance of getting back to the Super Bowl, then re-signing Diggs shouldn't be off the table. He'd just have to pick a new number now if he comes back.
At this point, we haven't heard any updates on the Patriots' interest, so it doesn't seem all that likely. But, as it was said, it shouldn't be ruled out.
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