Perhaps the most shocking move the Patriots have made in free agency so far was releasing wide receiver Stefon Diggs just one year into his three-year contract. There are multiple rumors describing the reasons behind it, since Eliot Wolf didn't offer much clarity, but he did imply that there's a chance he could come back.
If that doesn't happen, though, he could easily become a nightmare for his former team by returning to the AFC East in 2026. That's something Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes is a possible scenario, since Diggs remains unsigned near the end of the second week of free agency.
Knox views the Dolphins as a logical landing for the four-time Pro Bowler, especially after they just traded Jaylen Waddle and already released Tyreek Hill.
"Diggs would be a sensible target for a team like Miami, which no longer has a No. 1 receiver to pair with new quarterback Malik Willis. His past experience with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll makes him an interesting option for the Tennessee Titans and second-year signal-caller Cam Ward."
The Titans would certainly be a much better spot for the Patriots' defense, since they don't play Tennessee until the 2027 season. The Dolphins, however, would be brutal.
Stefon Diggs returning to the AFC East would make the Patriots decision to release him even worse
After putting together an impressive 2025 season, recording the first 1,000+ receiving yard year for the Patriots since Julian Edelman in 2019, Diggs is testing free agency just one year after experiencing it for the first time.
He looked like a logical player to keep around, given how well he performed on the field and the leadership role he took on in the locker room. It was clear that he carved a role for himself in New England, and that felt almost more valuable than what he could do in a game.
But whether it was his salary, lingering court case, or something else, Eliot Wolf and Co. felt it was the right decision to move on from him and put the Patriots back on the market for a wide receiver upgrade.
They are still looking for that player, despite signing Romeo Doubs, and seeing Diggs return to the AFC East would make the choice to cut him feel even worse.
He dominated the Patriots' defense during his time with the Bills, and it's hard to believe that wouldn't be the case if he signed with Miami next. They need a player of Diggs' caliber to replace the production they lost with Waddle and Hill playing elsewhere.
Diggs could fill that void and then some, immediately becoming new quarterback Malik Willis' No. 1 target and creating chaos for the Patriots' defense like he did for so long. That would make Wolf's decision potentially more regrettable than failing to find a viable replacement on their own offense.
So let's hope Diggs lands elsewhere next season.