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Patriots face tough decision on Stefon Diggs as free agency approaches

Feb 24, 2026, 5:13 PM20
(Update: Feb 27, 2026, 1:00 AM)
hill in Manawatū-Whanganui Region, New Zealand
National Football League franchise in Foxborough, Massachusetts

Patriots face tough decision on Stefon Diggs as free agency approaches

  • Stefon Diggs faces a potential cut due to a large cap hit of $26.5 million.
  • Mike Evans has expressed interest in joining the Patriots as a free agent.
  • The Patriots aim to bolster their roster with strategic moves leading up to free agency.
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In the United States, the New England Patriots are navigating a critical offseason following a disappointing loss in Super Bowl LX. With their sights set on improving for the next season, key decisions loom, particularly regarding their wide receiving corps. Stefon Diggs, their leading receiver for the 2025 season, has a substantial $26.5 million cap hit in 2026. His guaranteed contract of $6 million if he's on the roster by March 13 adds to the complexity of the situation. The Patriots are exploring various options, including potentially cutting Diggs or restructuring his contract to reduce the salary cap impact. At the same time, the Patriots are also eyeing a significant reinforcement in the form of Mike Evans, a talented wide receiver from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is set to become a free agent. Evans has reportedly listed the Patriots among the teams he's interested in joining. Despite a down year in 2025, where he only recorded 368 receiving yards and three touchdowns, Evans remains a proven commodity and could provide the experience and skill the Patriots need to support their young quarterback, Drake Maye. The possibility of pairing Evans with Maye excites the Patriots' management as they aim for another championship run. The Patriots recognize that depth in their offensive line is crucial for Maye's development, particularly after a successful regular season of 14-3 that raised questions about their performance against stronger competition. They had the good fortune of avoiding major injuries on the offensive line in the previous season, a rarity that they want to ensure does not happen again. As the free agency period approaches, they express their desire not just to add talent but to enhance competition within the team. In addition to the decisions surrounding Diggs and the pursuit of Evans, the New England management is also considering other options for their roster, including potential trades and the upcoming NFL draft. This comprehensive strategy aims to address their weaknesses while continuing to build around their young talents. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the team navigates free agency, insisting on a well-rounded strategy to position themselves closer to reclaiming the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

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