Stefon Diggs, the dynamic WR2, is ready to provide an offensive jolt that will soon make its way to the New England Patriots. Diggs has a spectacular history at Gillette Stadium, finding the end zone as a receiver in all five of his last games there. His anticipated presence on the field is a likely game-changer that the Patriots need. Since entering the NFL in 2015, Diggs has a total of 496 first downs converted. This remarkable haul makes him the fourth-most prolific d-man in the NHL over that stretch. His knack for moving the chains is about to become a key part of the Patriots’ offensive identity.
Diggs’ versatility as a receiver has been on display throughout his career. During his final season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, he boasted an average air yards per target of 14.73. Even as recently with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, his air yards per target was 10.19. Even with these head-turning stats, Diggs is still supremely confident in his ability to dominate from anywhere on the field — short, intermediate or deep.
“I can move the chains.” – Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs
Diggs’ contract with the Patriots further reflects the team’s commitment. The accord includes a fixed salary of $2.9 million. If he plays, then he can earn an extra $200,000 per game which could increase his total earnings to $3.4 million. A $12 million signing bonus further highlights the immense expectations already on his shoulders.
“I would have been on pace to have a 1,000-yard season and 100 catches if I didn’t get banged up.” – Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs
Diggs’ arrival will likely necessitate some shuffling in the New England Patriots’ offensive lineup. His ability to impact the field could allow creation of that plan with other WRs like Mack Hollins outside. This kind of flexibility would allow the Patriots to fully take advantage of their receiving corps’ strengths.
On defense, Patriots coach Bill Belichick has highlighted the potential roles of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Keion White as defensive linemen. These players would be able to take on those disruptive roles just like Jeffery Simmons did for Diggs in Tennessee.
“Such a talented athlete, with size [6-foot-5, 285 pounds], that if we can continue to refine some of his technique that’s really going to help him.” – Patriots coach Bill Belichick
Just ask Diggs, who spent last year playing with the Houston Texans and posted a career year. Per ESPN Research, he only ran 18.6% of his routes short and to the outside. On top of it, his air yards per target last year was 8.84, showing he can succeed with different play styles.
Barring some serious incompetence, the Patriots will be well-positioned to use their new receiver’s unique skill set in creative and strategic ways. And yet, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf remains uniformly bullish about their impending second-round selection.
“We’re going to pick a good player at 4. Where we make our money is in those next couple of picks.” – Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf
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