The New England Patriots have made another significant splash in free agency, securing one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, Stefon Diggs, with a blockbuster three-year, $69 million contract. As expected, the signing has generated a flurry of reactions across the sports media landscape. While Diggs’ potential impact on the Patriots’ offense is undeniable, there are also questions about his age and recovery from a season-ending ACL injury. Here’s how experts and analysts from around the country have responded to the big news.
Stefon Diggs Brings Star Power to the Patriots’ Offense
For years, the Patriots have struggled to find a true WR1, and many analysts believe that Stefon Diggs could be the solution. As a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the league, Diggs is a game-changer. But at 31 years old, and coming off an ACL tear, questions about his durability persist.
Positive Reactions to Diggs’ Move
Fox Sports analyst and former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman wasted no time offering his support for Diggs, particularly highlighting the player’s motivation. “I like Stefon Diggs in New England, that situation, because Stefon Diggs is still pissed off at the Bills,” Edelman said, emphasizing how Diggs’ frustration with his former team could fuel his performance.
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger echoed similar sentiments, saying, “They need a No. 1 wide receiver. He’s wearing this No. 1 for a reason. He’s gonna help the New England Patriots and Drake Maye and their passing offense.”
Patriots fans were also excited, with WEEI’s Greg Hill excitedly declaring, “Are we back? I think we’re back.” For many, Diggs’ signing represents a new chapter for the team, with the promise of a revitalized passing attack.
Concerns and Skepticism About the Signing
Not everyone is convinced that the deal will be worth it. Some analysts raised concerns about Diggs’ age and the ACL injury he’s recovering from. An anonymous AFC executive spoke to the Boston Herald, saying, “Feels a little rich for a 31-year-old coming off ACL. But when you have a major need, it’s natural to overpay a little.”
ESPN’s Field Yates also expressed cautious optimism, saying, “The Patriots have a new WR1. They’ll have to be patient with Diggs coming off of an ACL tear, but a player who the franchise knows well from facing him now heads to New England.” While Yates acknowledged the risk, he noted that Diggs’ familiarity with the team’s system could help mitigate concerns.
How Diggs Will Impact the Patriots’ Locker Room
Beyond his on-field contributions, many analysts believe that Diggs’ presence will have a positive influence on the Patriots’ locker room. He’s known for his competitive drive and professionalism, qualities that the Patriots have sorely lacked in recent years.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer applauded the move, noting, “He’s going to bring a level of competitiveness, a level of professionalism, a level of, ‘This is how we do it here,’ to a room that badly, badly, badly needed it.” Breer emphasized that Diggs’ leadership could help turn around a locker room that struggled in 2024, with some even describing it as a “dumpster fire.”
Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi added that a coach familiar with Diggs remarked, “If he’s healthy, they got themselves a dawg. They just gotta make sure to feed him.” This comment underscores Diggs’ potential to be a game-changer, provided the team ensures he gets the ball in critical situations.
Will Diggs Live Up to the Hype?
While there’s no doubt about Diggs’ talent when healthy, the questions surrounding his recovery from the torn ACL remain a focal point. Many analysts are cautiously optimistic about his return, with NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry noting, “When he was at his best last year before he got injured, he was a tremendous No. 2 … and was tremendous, and from people that I’ve spoken to there, worked hard, practiced hard, was a great teammate, and you’re hoping he brings all those things to your locker room as well.”
As Diggs works his way back to full health, the big question will be whether he can maintain the level of play that made him one of the NFL’s top receivers. “Stefon Diggs has been one of the most underrated players in the NFL for a few years now,” remarked 98.5 The Sports Hub‘s Alex Barth. “How he’ll look coming off a torn ACL is certainly a legitimate question, but the ceiling of his move for the Patriots is beyond worth the risk.”
A Bold Move for the Patriots
For the Patriots, signing Stefon Diggs is a bold, high-risk, high-reward move. While the financial commitment may seem hefty for a player coming off an injury, the potential upside is immense. If Diggs can return to form, he could be the missing piece the Patriots need to turn their offense into a legitimate threat in the AFC.
As the NFL offseason continues, the signing of Diggs will be one of the most closely watched storylines. Will he be able to stay healthy and fulfill his potential? Only time will tell, but for now, Patriots fans have reason to be excited about their team’s future with Stefon Diggs in the fold.