Patriots WR Stefon Diggs wants to put his career and new team back on track

Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald on Mar 28, 2025

Published in Football

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FOXBORO, Calif. — At this stage of his career, a winding, decorated career, what Stefon Diggs wants for himself is what he wants for his new team.

A return to the good old days.

A torn ACL robbed Diggs of a seventh straight 1,000-yard season last year, his first and only in Houston after reaching four consecutive Pro Bowls with Buffalo. On Friday, his first day as a Patriot, the ACL tear was top of mind.

It triggered several questions at Diggs’ introductory press conference, and even kept the veteran receiver from saying he’s played 11 NFL seasons, despite the fact he entered the league 11 years ago.

“I’ve played 10 and a half years in this game. It would’ve been 11 if I didn’t get banged up,” he said. “I definitely look forward to getting back on track.”

Finding the track is something the Patriots have been attempting organizationally now for a half decade. Adding Diggs marked a major step for the front office, which has fielded one of the NFL’s worst receiving corps since Tom Brady’s final days in New England. The Patriots believe they’ve found a fix in Diggs, who agreed to a reported three-year, $69 million contract with $26 million guaranteed last week.

The 31-year-old met a depressed free-agent market because of his age and injury. Though Diggs indicated Friday he may return sooner than the 12-month timeline often associated with an ACL tear, which would put him on the field by late October.

“I’m ahead of schedule, I’m trying to stay ahead of schedule,” he said. “I’ve been pretty serious about the grind process, as far as the rehab and everything. Shout out to Dr. ’Rif (Sharif Tabbah). I’m ahead of schedule right now. Trying to stay there at this point. Trying to work a little smarter. I’m a hard worker.”

While he surveyed his free-agent options, which included a visit last week to New England, Diggs admitted becoming a No. 1 target again was a factor. Money, of course, mattered, too. But it was the combination of opportunity, contract and fit, plus the head coach and quarterback, that drew him to Foxboro.

“Young quarterback, a good team, a lot of pieces being added, everything trending in the right direction – something I wanted to be a part of,” Diggs said of the Patriots. “I feel like I can be helpful as far as the development with the receivers and everybody involved. For me personally, getting back out there and getting active, I just want to put my time to use.”

As it does for most aging players, time weighed on Diggs’ mind. He will turn 32 in November, his prime fading into the rearview and a shrinking road ahead. Diggs has entrusted Patriots coach Mike Vrabel — someone who played 14 years in the NFL — with maximizing the rest of his playing days.

“I had to figure out what I really wanted for myself and where I wanted to be for the rest of my legacy. And why not be a part of a winning organization, some place that definitely has a lot of talent and a coach that’s going to lead them in the right direction?” he said. “So I’ve got a lot of respect for Vrabes, what he’s done as a player and what he’s done as a coach. I’ve seen him, and I look forward to working with him.”

If Diggs can return to form, he will produce the first 1,000-yard season by a Patriot since 2019. In doing so, he might help carry the Patriots back to the playoffs, where they haven’t been since 2021. But it’s not that simple.

On Friday, Diggs acknowledged his league-wide reputation as someone whose competitive fire has sometimes consumed him and causes run-ins with teammates in Minnesota and Buffalo. He even admitted to getting “in trouble.” That attitude, combined with a hunger for targets, reportedly factored in the Bills’ decision to trade him to the Texans a year ago.

Though reports out of Houston since have painted Diggs as a great teammate.

“At this point in my career, I’m a little older now,” Diggs said. “I’m in a space where I’d rather give you a spanking, than go back and forth with you.”

He also explained Friday he’s learned to lead and motivate teammates in different ways.

“I think my maturation process comes from more experience, both good and bad, especially the more personal (experiences),” Diggs said. “I’ve done a lot of inner work up to this point. I feel like I’m in a great space. And I’m trying to put that to use.”

As for his targets, Diggs said he won’t be counting midseason. Naturally, he’ll be looking for the ball, but what he’s seeking is more about feel; if the present begins to imitate his past, when he was a Pro Bowler and one of the most dangerous receivers in the league busy powering a new contender in the AFC East.

“I know what I’ve done in my past is my resume,” Diggs said, “but I’m really looking forward to putting my best foot in front of me.”