One of the Patriots’ most fascinating offseason storylines centers around what to do with Stefon Diggs.

In short, the team needs to decide whether he’s worth his price tag.

Are they willing to absorb a $26.5 million cap hit for a receiver who will turn 33 in November.

In March, Diggs signed a three-year deal with the team worth a base value of $63.5 million with $16.6 million fully guaranteed and $22.6 million in total guarantees.

Much like the Patriots, the veteran receiver – coming off ACL surgery – exceeded expectations.

He led the team in receiving yards (1,013), was a reliable target for Drake Maye on third down, and emerged as a vocal leader in the room. He was a culture setter. Players loved the Diggs experience.

But that cap number is tough to swallow and something the Patriots will seriously ponder. It sure looks like a recipe for a ticket out of town. Even with all Diggs has brought, that would be the right call.

Diggs, himself, is uncertain about what the Patriots may do.

“Unless they opt out of the contract, I anticipate being here,” Diggs said following the Super Bowl loss to Seattle a week ago. “I hope so. Love my guys. Hell of a year playing with them. We built some real family-like bonds, so I hope so. I don’t control it.”

The Patriots hold the cards.

During his final press conference with the media, Mike Vrabel pretty much laid out the dynamic.

“As I was taught, we talk about the business of the NFL, the businesses, we’re looking for the better, younger, cheaper player every day, and the players that we have are trying to not let that happen,” Vrabel said. “And that’s the dynamic, and that’s the business of the National Football League.”

The Patriots continue to take swings in the draft for “younger cheaper” options at receiver. Kyle Williams (2025 third round pick) flashed with his speed, but didn’t perform consistently enough to warrant more snaps.

Whether they have Diggs or not, the Patriots need to continue to bring in receiver talent. They need a game-breaker in Maye’s arsenal.

Alec Pierce is a free agent to watch. AJ Brown’s status in Philadelphia is also something to monitor. Reportedly the Eagles will entertain trade offers. So there are other options for the Patriots to explore to upgrade the talent in the room.

Diggs, while the resident No. 1, didn’t live up to that distinction during the post-season.

He had 14 catches for 110 yards and one score during the postseason. He was a non-factor in the Super Bowl.

He wasn’t able to elevate his game like he had done earlier in the season.

Maye, however, was looking forward to having Diggs back next year, especially with the benefit of an offseason spent not rehabbing an injury. If the quarterback had a vote, the Patriots would make it work with his top target.

“I can’t say enough about what he’s done for us, what he’s done for this team and what he’s proved to himself,” Maye said. “I think I saw him say something about that, proving to himself the player he is and how he can still be a big-time player in this league, and he showcased that.

“He’s got a lot of juice left in the tank, and he told me the other day he’s got a chance to really work on his craft in the offseason.”

The Patriots and Diggs could get together in the offseason to work out a compromise, restructure the deal to lower the cap hit.

Diggs could take the first step, have a conversation with Vrabel, and get a feel for what the Patriots are thinking.

At some point, both sides are going to have to put their cards on the table.

Already, there has been some speculation about a possible trade, or the Patriots simply cutting bait.

Diggs might be motivated to make it work given how slim the chances are of finding a better situation elsewhere. With that, the receiver also has to be willing to be a No. 2 if the Patriots bring in a true No. 1.

The Patriots managed to successfully deal with the circus around Diggs his first year with the team. There were some rocky moments – his pre-season party cruise, recent charges of domestic violence – but they weathered those and still managed to co-exist.

The Patriots stood by him and embraced him. And were rewarded with a receiver who gave them an 85-catch season along with being their first wideout since Julian Edelman to gain over 1,000 yards.

Will they get that again? Or do the Patriots feel they’ve already maxed out on the Diggs’ experiment?

In the upcoming 2026 season, the receiver is due a non-guaranteed $20.6M base salary. The Patriots could save over $16M-$20M by cutting him. There’s also $6 million the Patriots are due to pay Diggs in March.

If the Diggs camp isn’t willing to budge on the money, the Patriots are left with a tough decision.

In the coming months, how this situation ultimately plays out will set the course for the Patriots receiver room.