Stefon Diggs' NFL Journey and Recent Release
The NFL career of 32-year-old wide receiver Stefon Diggs began in 2015 when the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the fifth round as the 146th overall pick. A University of Maryland alum, Diggs spent five productive seasons with the Vikings before being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, where he played alongside quarterback Josh Allen for four years.
In 2024, Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans, led by quarterback CJ Stroud, but his season was cut short by a torn ACL. Despite this injury, the New England Patriots signed him as an unrestricted free agent in March 2025 to a lucrative three-year contract worth $63.5 million.
During the 2025 season with the Patriots, Diggs recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 receiving yards and four touchdowns across 17 games. However, in March 2026, New England released the veteran wideout to avoid a substantial $26.8 million salary cap hit for the upcoming season, saving the team over $16 million in cap space.
Reasons Behind the Patriots' Decision
Several factors contributed to New England's decision to part ways with Diggs. Firstly, at 32 years old, the Patriots may have been hesitant to commit to a long-term, high-value contract for an aging player. Secondly, while Diggs performed well during the regular season, his production saw a noticeable decline in crucial, high-stakes games, raising questions about his overall value in pivotal moments.
Thirdly, off-field concerns played a role. Diggs is currently involved in a lawsuit with his personal chef, with a pretrial hearing scheduled to begin on April 1 at the Dedham District Court in Massachusetts. Despite these challenges, many analysts still believe in Diggs' ability to contribute significantly to an NFL team.
Potential Landing Spots for the Veteran Wide Receiver
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Diggs could sign with a new team within the next month. At this stage of his career, he is likely to seek a one-year deal, offering experience and leadership to a receiving corps. Breer notes that Diggs became a real leader in the Patriots' receiver room and served as a valuable resource for younger players.
Los Angeles Rams: A Strong Contender
Yahoo Sports analyst Matt Harmon projects the Los Angeles Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, as a potential destination for Diggs. Earlier in March, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Rams had moved on from trade talks for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown, indicating their search for veteran pass-catching help beyond current stars Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
The Rams, who acquired two-time Super Bowl champion cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs, narrowly missed the NFC Championship in 2025 and are eager to make a deeper playoff run in 2026. Diggs, with his experience and skill set, could be a valuable addition. Harmon suggests Diggs might serve as a fallback plan if the Rams miss out on their 13th overall draft pick, as he is a smart player capable of quickly adapting to Los Angeles' offensive system.
At this point in his career, Diggs may prioritize chasing a Super Bowl ring over individual targets, making the Rams an attractive option. However, they are not the only team in the mix.
Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens in the Race
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox identifies the Tennessee Titans as another strong landing spot for Diggs. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward could benefit from additional receiving talent on the perimeter. A key connection here is the presence of Tennessee's new offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, who previously coached Diggs during their time together with the Buffalo Bills. Daboll's positive impact on Drake Maye in New England suggests he could have a similar effect on Ward.
Meanwhile, the Lamar Jackson-led Baltimore Ravens also emerge as a potential fit. Knox reports that Diggs could complement receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, providing Jackson with a reliable go-to target in critical situations.
Contract Projections and Financial Considerations
According to Spotrac's market value calculations, Diggs is projected to sign a two-year contract worth approximately $27 million, with an average annual salary of $13.8 million. Over his 11-year NFL career, Diggs has earned a total of $157 million. The Los Angeles Rams currently have around $28.35 million in cap space, which could accommodate such a deal, but competition from the Titans and Ravens may influence the final outcome.
As the offseason progresses, the question remains: will the Rams secure Diggs' services, or will another franchise like the Titans or Ravens intervene? Only time will reveal the next chapter in Stefon Diggs' storied NFL career.
