There will be no reunion with the Houston Texans, but Stefon Diggs is returning to the AFC East.
Diggs and the New England Patriots have reached a three-year, $69 million max deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
Diggs is roughly five months removed from suffering an ACL tear that ended his first and only season with the Texans. He recently visited with the Patriots and later posted workout videos on Instagram. Though the addition addresses a massive need for New England at wide receiver, it's also sure to draw some scrutiny given the high price tag and concern for a veteran coming off the most serious injury of his career. Apparently the Patriots aren't too distressed about his recovery.
Houston general manager Nick Caserio didn’t rule out bringing Diggs back before the offseason kicked off, but the former Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills standout is instead shipping out to Boston to join head coach Mike Vrabel's squad.
The Pats are no doubt hoping Diggs can provide second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a steady target who can also lend experience to their WR corps.
The 31-year-old Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdown catches in 2024 before his knee injury.
Having earned four Pro Bowl selections from 2020 through 2023 with the Bills, Diggs had six straight 1,000-yard seasons prior to last year.
Though Diggs’ time as one of the premier wideouts in the NFL is likely past him, if he returns healthy he should still be a boon for a Patriots team that’s been absent a viable option at receiver for years.
Diggs averaged 62 yards per game a season ago. Tight end Hunter Henry led the Patriots with 42 yards per game in 2024.
New England hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver or a player average north of 60 yards receiving per game since Julian Edelman in 2019.
With Diggs now added to a room with Ja'Lynn Polk, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne, there is a bit more promise. Diggs also stands as the latest signing in an eventful offseason for the Pats, who have also procured the services of defensive lineman Milton Williams, edge Harold Landry, cornerback Carlton Davis and center Garrett Bradbury, among others.
Meanwhile, Houston, which had quarterback C.J. Stroud hopeful of a Diggs comeback, is moving on with standout Nico Collins and Christian Kirk leading the way. The Texans trading for Kirk likely closed the door on a Diggs comeback.
Diggs is moving back to the AFC East and on to his fourth NFL team.