New England Patriots' new leader, Mike Vrabel, retooled his offense dramatically in the 2025 offseason through both free agency and the draft. He almost totally rebuilt a leaky offensive line. Four new players are starting on the O-line in 2025. He also added a playmaker to the running back room in TreVeyon Henderson.
Yet, along with the offensive line. Vrabel spent the most attention on offense on the wide receiver unit. The unit's top 2024 receiver was Pop Douglas with 66 catches. That level of production isn't going to get you very far in the AFC East standings.
Vrabel added veteran clutch receiver, Mack Hollins, from Buffalo, and drafted explosive playmaker from Washington State, Kyle Williams. He also signed undrafted free agent Efton Chism III to a guaranteed contract. He made the team (but hasn't seen a single snap yet in the regular season, somehow).
Yet, the biggest splash at wideout was signing former Pro-Bowler Stefon Diggs by a mile.
The expectations for Stefon Diggs coming to the Patriots were, and still are, high
Though Diggs was coming off a serious ACL knee injury, the expectation was that at some point in the season, he'd assume the mantle of the alpha wide receiver for Drake Maye. Diggs is by far the most talented receiver on the team. Having him available for Week 1 was a huge plus for both Vrabel and quarterback Maye. To date, he has been solid on and off the field for this young team.
To be an effective leader, you have to be a productive player. Thus far, while he hasn't taken the top of any defense yet, neither has he dramatically disappointed. In three games, he has 13 catches to lead the team, with 112 yards. While not Pro Bowl-level, at that rate, he'll have 73 catches for the season, which would eclipse last season's high. And he's also checking in as a leader, and that has benefits that don't appear on the stat sheet.
The 31-year-old knows he can and really must make a massive impact off the field as a veteran voice for both Maye and New England's young receivers. Matt Geagan of CBS News quoted Diggs and Drake Maye on his leadership role,
"'I want to be a key point in this offense as far as far as like being part of the sail with things going in the right direction. We've got a young team. We're out there fighting. We're out there getting on the same page. You see things clicking here and there. I just want to be part of it.
He's a great teammate. I think that's the biggest thing. He's fire on game day, you see him. You see him even in practice, he wants to bring it, rightfully so. He thinks a lot of the guys around him, he wants to be a great teammate, he wants to bring the energy, he's a leader, and he wants the ball,' said Maye."
Stefon Diggs will prove his mettle as the season progresses
Keeping his major injury in mind, Diggs' production to date has been fine. When he's fully healthy in a month or two, expect those catch totals to increase dramatically. Diggs is a top NFL receiver, and in addition to being a leader for the young Patriots receivers and others, he'll be determined to show that he's back and ready to again achieve a Pro Bowl level of play.
The offensive play-calling has to be tailored to Diggs' game when he's fully healthy. He's the most talented receiver on the team when healthy, and he's not getting enough targets. When Vrabel decides he's healthy enough, he has to get the rock more often.
The Patriots gift-wrapped a win to the poorest Steeler team seen in these parts in decades. It was a giveaway and it can't be considered anything else. Yet, Stefon Diggs continues to perform well when he's given the opportunity.
When Diggs is fully healthy, he'll be ready to contribute at even higher levels. Meanwhile, he's a leader, a consummate team-player (note his downfield blocking), and is seeking to help the team in any way he can. It was a sound signing for Vrabel, and he'll contribute even more as the season progresses and he regains full health. There's nothing wrong with that at all.