The New England Patriots' biggest offseason splash came when Mike Vrabel signed former four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs. He's shown his leadership from the outset, and the latest iteration is bolstering his young quarterback, Drake Maye, after his two-turnover performance against Atlanta.
Diggs' ability when healthy is clear. He was returning from an ACL tear, but now that he's regained fitness, his talent is evident. He's the Patriots' best receiver. Yet his overall contributions to the team go far beyond his solid receiving skills.
The Patriots got a lot more than just a top receiver when they signed Diggs. They got a veteran who's stepped into a leadership role on a young, rebuilding team and has been an inspiration to his teammates, including, most recently, his young, emerging superstar quarterback, Drake Maye.
Stefon Diggs has Drake Maye's back when things get rough
It's not a big deal to back your teammates when they're riding high and everything's rosy. But it's when the chips are down for a player that real leaders step up to pick up their teammates, prop them up, and provide support when they need it most.
Diggs did just that for Drake Maye after his recent rough performance against Atlanta.
Stefon Diggs:
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) November 2, 2025
“I’m riding with Drake Maye. Things aren’t going to be perfect. I tell y’all all the time, it’s hard as shit to play quarterback. I probably couldn’t do it. I’d be a scramble guy.”
-@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/I6K8gyFf2h
That's leadership right there, a mantle that Diggs hasn't shirked since he joined the team this spring. It's a bonus, since his on-field play has been excellent, and there's more to come from the former Pro Bowler as his recovery from that ACL injury gets further into the past.
Stefion Diggs is the Patriots No. 1 receiver
The Patriots were in dire need of an upgrade to the wide receiving corps after a lackluster performance from that unit in 2024. Vrabel went to work early and landed two former Buffalo Bills. One was the accomplished Pro-Bowl caliber Diggs. The other was a lesser-known player.
That was Mack Hollins, a clutch receiver, par excellence. Hollins doesn't catch many passes, but when he does, they usually go for first downs or touchdowns. He personifies the word "clutch," as he uses his big body to make big plays. Yet, it's still Diggs who's the true difference-maker.
Thus far in 2025, Diggs leads the team with 45 receptions (almost double the next receiver's total) along with 508 receiving yards. He's on pace for a solid 85 catch season and close to 1000 yards receiving. The Patriots haven't seen a receiver with 1000 yards since 2019, Julian Edelman's last healthy season, still catching passes from Tom Brady.
Diggs' solid receiving session, coupled with his leadership skills and readiness to step up to bolster his teammates, was a triple score for Vrabel in the 2025 free agency. Diggs has been worth every penny of his contract, and expectations should be high that there's more and better to come as his knee heals, and the season and the playoffs ensue.