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- New England Patriots. Cardi B remains silent after news that the Patriots released Stefon Diggs
The New England Patriots are set to release star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, signaling a new chapter for both the veteran pass-catcher and the organization.
According to multiple reports, the team informed the four-time Pro Bowl receiver that he will be let go after the start of the new league year, making him a free agent and freeing up significant cap space.
Diggs, who joined the Patriots on a three-year, $63.5 million contract last offseason, delivered a strong season statistically.
In 17 regular-season games, he recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating both his skill on the field and his leadership in the locker room.
Despite this, his $26.5 million projected cap hit for 2026 and his approaching 33rd birthday made his return less viable from a financial standpoint.
In an Instagram story shared simultaneously with the news, Diggs expressed gratitude toward his former team. "THANK YOU for a hell of a year. We family forever," he wrote, highlighting the positive relationship he maintained with the Patriots during his brief tenure.
The move leaves New England with a pressing need to replace top-tier receiving talent, especially as the team enters a critical offseason of roster planning.
Analysts note that while Diggs' on-field production remained strong, age, contract structure, and off-field concerns factored into the team's decision.
Cap flexibility and future planning shape Patriots' offseason strategy
The release opens up $16.8 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com, giving the Patriots resources to pursue potential replacements in free agency or through trades.
Heavy.com compiled the reaction of the press to the news.
Veteran analysts, including Fox Sports' Henry McKenna, suggested that the decision "makes sense, given the charges against him off the field" and that it positions the team to explore top receiver options.
NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry noted that a general manager at the combine described Diggs as a "one-year guy," underscoring the temporary nature of his contract.
Meanwhile, Boston Herald reporters highlighted the financial realities behind the decision. Andrew Callahan explained, "The structure of Diggs's contract all but ensured both sides would have to return to the negotiating table this offseason.
The #Patriots decide Diggs wasn't worth what it would have cost to keep him on their books for 2026. All eyes now back to A.J. Brown."
CLNS' Taylor Kyles emphasized that Diggs' pending $6 million guarantees and the looming $26.5 million cap hit "didn't make a ton of sense for the WR to play on that deal, but this leaves a pretty significant hole at WR."
Despite the challenges, Patriots insiders, including Patriots.com's Evan Lazar, remain optimistic about the team's ability to attract elite receivers.
With the right strategy, New England could offset the loss of Diggs' production and continue to build around quarterback Mac Jones and the team's offensive core.
As the 2026 offseason unfolds, the focus will turn to how the Patriots address this key vacancy and whether they can secure a dynamic replacement capable of maintaining the team's offensive competitiveness.