The New England Patriots just handed their second-year quarterback a shiny new weapon, inking Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million deal with $26M guaranteed.
Sure, some might balk at the price tag for a 31-year-old coming off an ACL tear, but let’s be real—New England has cap space burning a hole in its pocket and a glaring need for playmakers to pair with Drake Maye.
Worst case? The team can cut ties quickly if things go south. Best case? Diggs gives Maye the alpha wide receiver he desperately needs.
STEFON DIGGS’ 2025 FANTASY OUTLOOK: NAH, HE’S NOT WASHED
Diggs’ 2024 season with the Texans was cut short after just eight games, but before the injury, he was still producing at a high level: 47 catches on 64 targets for 496 yards and three scores. That’s a pace of over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards, and respectable 15.2 PPR points per game. It was the first time since 2017 that Diggs didn’t crack 1,000 yards, but let’s not pretend he fell off a cliff. He can still be a difference-maker if his knee is good to go.
Drake Maye just went from throwing to DeMario Douglas and a bunch of WR3s to having a legitimate No. 1 target. No disrespect to Pop Douglas, but leading the Patriots with 66 catches for 621 yards isn’t exactly WR1 behavior. Even at 80%, Diggs changes the receiver room instantly from a talent and competitive standpoint.
“Loved him,” a Texans staffer texted Albert Breer about Diggs. “Loves football, practices hard and with purpose, wants to be coached. Didn’t have any of the gameday stuff that people talked about. He’s a much warmer person than the stigma that follows him.”
Beyond just adding talent, Diggs fills a crucial need. New England’s passing game lacked a receiver who could consistently shake man coverage, and per Reception Perception (see below), Diggs still has that in his bag. He may not be at peak Buffalo Bills form, but his route-running remains elite, and his ability to create separation should give Maye the reliable target he didn’t have as a rookie.
Of course, the big “if” is his health. Diggs is 31 and coming off a torn ACL, and while reports say he’s ahead of schedule in rehab, every free agent signing is supposedly “ahead of schedule.” That said, the Patriots making this move suggests they’re confident in his recovery, and word is he’s on track for Week 1, per Adam Schefter.
If he’s anywhere close to full strength, this could mean the world for Maye’s development.
SUMMARY: DRAKE MAYE’S CEILING RISES WITH DIGGS’ UPSIDE
For now, Diggs currently profiles as a WR3/Flex with upside, but that upside could be massive if he’s truly as healthy as the reports make him out to be. He’s a potential steal in fantasy drafts if his ADP slides due to injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Maye gets a fantasy boost—he was already The Wolf’s QB17 after a strong rookie season and the addition of OC Josh McDaniels, and with Diggs in the fold (and more weapons likely on the way), his stock is trending up.
Let’s be real—this won’t be the Patriots’ last move at wide receiver. They still need more firepower, and if the draft board shakes out in their favor, Travis Hunter at No. 4 isn’t off the table. With four picks in the first three rounds, they have plenty of ammo to keep upgrading Maye’s arsenal.
For now, Stefon Diggs’ 2025 fantasy impact isn’t just about him—it’s about giving Drake Maye his best weapon yet. If his knee holds up, this could quietly be one of the most impactful fantasy signings of the offseason.
