Going into the 2026 offseason, the Patriots offense looked far better equipped than it had in recent years, with plenty of room to improve in free agency and the draft. There was a lot of chatter about drafting more offensive linemen and maybe trading for a superstar receiver, and the team accomplished both.
But it came after the shocking decision to move on from wide receiver Stefon Diggs, despite putting up 1,000+ receiving yards in 2025.
He was their clearest WR1 since Julian Edelman last played in 2020, and because they didn't sign his replacement, there were many questions about why he was let go and how his absence would affect the offense after a productive year.
As we know, they eventually traded for A.J. Brown last month, which certainly boosts the receiving corps to a level even higher than it was with Diggs. But the former Bills star remains unsigned, and there are plenty of demands from Patriots fans to bring him back.
It's certainly been alluded to throughout the offseason, and although the additions of Brown and Romeo Doubs make it seem as though the offense doesn't need Diggs, he might have just given the team reason to reconsider a reunion.
Stefon Diggs is ready to take a step back on the depth chart and be a relaible No. 2
In his latest YouTube vlog, Diggs spoke about still being unsigned just weeks ahead of training camp, and he seemingly sent a message to every team that might consider bringing him in for the 2026 season.
That includes the Patriots, who have been consistently linked to him all offseason, and, because they're set to have one of the toughest schedules in the league, adding Maye as another weapon would dramatically improve their chances of replicating last year's success.
Based on Diggs' confidence, it's difficult to argue a reunion would be a bad idea.
"My opinion, I can compete with anybody. But take those [top wide receivers] as your 1s, right? You can't name a No. 2 better than me.
There's not a No. 2 on a team -- let's presumably give people the credit and just say, 'OK, you want to take the No. 1 spot away. Name your No. 2 receiver right now, and tell me how much he makes, and then my last question is: Is he better than me?"
One of the biggest takeaways from his comments is that he now considers himself No. 2 on the depth chart, which is significant given that throughout his career he has been the No. 1 option for quarterbacks.
As we saw during the 2025 season, it didn't appear as though he was still the WR1 that the Patriots needed, so if he slides down the depth chart, there's a good chance he could be far more productive in the way that they need it rather than relying on him as their top option.
At this point in the offseason, it might be what works best for Diggs, since his NFL future remains unclear, and the Patriots could further boost their offense in hopes of improving their chances of continuing to be a competitive team.
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