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Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are assessing all options when it comes to wide receiver Stefon Diggs This was reported by MassLive’s Mark Daniels on Friday.
The Patriots will have to pay the wide receiver $6 million by March 13.
The team has discussed several scenarios that could play out. The wide receiver could restructure his deal to remain with the team. He could also refuse to restructure. Lastly, retaining him on his current deal has also been considered an option. Either way, Diggs is a topic of discussion at the combine.
The wide receiver was a major part of what the Patriots did offensively last season. He recorded five receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns last year. He recorded three 100-yard games and led the team in targets with 102 and receptions with 85. The veteran had 354 yards after the catch, as he showed his playmaking ability.
His best game of the season came against the Buffalo Bills. He had 10 catches for 146 yards on the evening.
The receiver also had a successful postseason run. He had 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown over the course of four games. His best outing came against the Houston Texans, when he recorded four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Overall, he was a solid presence for a young Patriots receiver room.
Patriots Have Choice To Make With Diggs
Now, the Patriots will have to decide what to do with the talented wideout, as Daniels noted.
One source said that if Diggs wants to remain in New England, he must restructure his contract to lower the cap hit. The Patriots are willing to give him an incentive-laden deal that allows the veteran to earn back the money – if he produces.
A second source predicted Diggs would be unwilling to restructure his contract after leading the Patriots in multiple receiving categories. The team has discussed how they could replace his production. That’s a sticking point due to a poor receiver class in free agency and the Patriots holding the 31st pick in the first round.
Younger Options Could Be Brewing For Patriots
There has been talk of younger options being floated around by the Patriots. A. J. Brown has been connected to the organization all offseason. Brown is 29 years old, and has familiarity with Mike Vrabel. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman indicated that he is not taking anything off the table regarding trading away any players. There could be room to get a deal done somewhere.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel also  said the same thing when talking with the media earlier this week. He spoke highly of Brown. He also did not shut down any possibility of the organization making deals.
There’s been a lot of talk about potential moves for the wide receiver room in all capacities. What the Patriots do with Diggs is going to be intriguing to monitor. The production was there last season, but he also carries a heavy cap hit. Someone like Brown could factor into the stance of New England monitoring all options. Regardless, surrounding Drake Maye with talent is the most important factor here.
Either way, this is a situation worth monitoring for New England. Diggs was a key member of the offense last year. However, multiple factors could make him a candidate to either restructure his deal, or force the Patriots to move on.
There is a silver lining in all this: It appears that the Patriots have thought out this situation quite a bit. They are prepared to make whatever move is necessary for the organization. Â Whatever the case may be, the Patriots have been able to develop Maye, and that is important for any receiver coming to the organization.
Danny Jaillet Danny Jaillet is a sportswriter with more than 15 years experience in the industry. He has been featured on Fox Sports, USA Today, and Yahoo Sports among others. He graduated from Worcester State University with a B.A. in communications and a minor in writing. More about Danny Jaillet
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