Stefon Diggs is one of several veteran wideouts still on the market in the second wave of free agency. He visited the Patriots yesterday, but a deal should not immediately be expected at this point. 
Nothing is imminent in the case of Diggs and New England, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz notes. Team and player will remain in contact with one another, though, he adds. This week’s summit included a physical, something which will no doubt be key in determining the Patriots’ willingness to make a commitment for 2025.
Adding in the passing game has long been seen as a priority, although New England’s many moves to date in free agency have not yielded a major signing on that front. The team has re-signed tight end Austin Hooper and brought in receiver Mack Hollins, but room exists for a move at the top of the WR depth chart. Diggs posted six straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2018-23, but to little surprise his Bills tenure came to an end last offseason. His trade to Houston was followed by a contract restructure which made him a free agent in 2025, but things did not go according to plan during his debut campaign.
Diggs suffered an ACL tear midway through the 2024 season, an injury which hindered his market value and left Houston without a key member of the WR room. His absence was later compounded by Tank Dell‘s season-ending injury, one which has 2025 availability in doubt. The Texans already have Nico Collins attached to a lucrative long-term deal, but general manager Nick Caserio said last month the team would consider keeping Diggs in the fold on a new contract. That could still take place depending on how his market unfolds over the coming days.
New England was a key suitor for Calvin Ridley in free agency last spring, and strong interest was known on both the Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin fronts this time around. Without any of those pass-catchers in place, the Patriots have Hollins along with a group of incumbents led by Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker on the depth chart as things stand. Diggs, 31, would add a notable track record of production to that group, although questions about his upside at this point in his career will linger in the wake of his ACL tear.
The four-time Pro Bowler averaged 62 yards per game in eight Texans contests last season, scoring three touchdowns before he went down. Expectations would be relatively high upon arrival in New England (on what could very well be a short-term deal given his health situation), but at this point a pact keeping him in Houston or sending him to a different team is still in the cards.
Is Diggs healthy?
Does he still have his speed?
New England is really struggling to get players to take their money.
Which is why they should’ve traded for Metcalf – with or without an extension. You might say that a 2nd rd pick is far too much to pay without an extension but I would disagree. I’d much rather have Metcalf for a year then have the Patriots draft another Ja’Lynn Polk with that pick. Plus it would give them a full year to convince Metcalf to stay once he experiences their new leadership and playing with Drake Maye.
I think they would’ve signed Tee if he became a free agent and were banking on it, with Godwin as the second option and Metcalf third.
I still remember last year when the draft broadcast talked like Polk was better than Odunze and was this great player.
Never trust a Pac12 WR who made a name for himself with contested catches. That conference is notorious for having terrible, undisciplined DBs. Being able to beat them is nothing special.
I’m admittedly naive and a wishful thinker, but based on their draft write-ups, I’m still hopeful Polk or Baker will become a legit WR2.
Next visit? The saints! Or….the chargers!!!