One of the most important parts of the Patriots offense that needed to be upgraded this offseason was the receiving corps, and fortunately, Mike Vrabel knew that. They had the cap space to get the kind of player they needed and some intriguing options, but missed out on nearly all of them.
Instead, they took a risk by signing Stefon Diggs, who was coming off a one-year stint with the Texans, which was cut short when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury mid-season. That led to him still being available weeks after free agency began, with the Patriots being lucky enough to get him under contract.
Initially, there were a lot of concerns about his fit with the team due to his well-documented outbursts during his years with the Bills, on top of his recovery timeline potentially not making him available as soon as the regular season began.
However, none of that appears to be an issue, as he is reportedly going to start against the Raiders next Sunday for the season opener, and several teammates, including DeMario Douglas, cannot stop raving about the kind of leader and mentor he has been thus far.
#Patriots WR DeMario Douglas on Stefon Diggs:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 29, 2025
“Stef, that’s the vet. He done seen it all… He don’t let nothin’ slide. That’s what we needed in that [wide receiver] room. We needed somebody who not gon’ let you slack and don’t let you do nothing.”
(🎥 @DudesOnDudesPod) pic.twitter.com/SRoe6Sjj0s
Following the roster cuts made earlier last week, it's even more crucial that a veteran like Diggs sets an example with his mindset and behavior, as the receiving corps will be much younger than it has been in years.
We're already seeing that maturity from Diggs that might be fair to say wasn't often the case in Buffalo, with the latest example of that being documented in the newest episode of "Forged in Foxborough."
Stefon Diggs continues to prove the Patriots made the right choice in signing him
Throughout the first two episodes of the offseason documentary, we have seen several instances of Diggs being exactly the kind of player the young Patriots offense needs for the upcoming season.
That was on full display with a look into the veteran leading a huddle during training camp, as he emphasized holding each other accountable and how important it is to take advantage of the opportunities you're given, no matter where and when they happen.
#Patriots veteran WR Stefon Diggs:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 30, 2025
“Hold each other accountable. Just know you not gon’ get these opportunities back… You ain’t gon’ get a second chance to make a first impression... that’s the standard. You ain’t holdin’ up to the standard, that’s yo ass.”
(🎥 @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/AYKRv2gX4u
RELATED: Patriots have already unlocked a version of Stefon Diggs the Bills never could
Although the captains for the 2025 season are yet to be named, it's clear Diggs is on pace to earn that honor in his first season with the team. He's already taken on the role and is serious about what that means, proving the reward is already worth the risk the Patriots took by adding him to the roster.
For all the worries fans had based on what they closely saw during his time with the Bills, he has quickly thrown them all out the window with his maturity and his embracing of the captain role they desperately needed him to fill.
Diggs could be a big reason the group is more successful than many could have projected with his support the teachings he's giving the younger players around him.