The New England Patriots made significant improvements to their roster by signing talented players during the early part of free agency. However, one noticeable gap remains at the wide receiver position, where their top options are Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Demario Douglas. Recent reports suggest that the team and free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs are interested in each other, following a meeting to discuss a potential contract. Although Diggs, at 31 years old, is past his prime, he would still be an upgrade over the current receivers and offer a veteran presence that quarterback Drake Maye currently lacks. Diggs only played in eight games for the Houston Texans last season before suffering a torn ACL on a non-contact play. His age and ongoing recovery from the injury are the main reasons he remains a free agent, but if signed on a short-term deal at a reasonable price, Diggs could provide a significant boost to the offense.
Acquiring Diggs wouldn’t fully address the team’s receiver needs, though, as additional veteran support would still be beneficial for young receivers like Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, who underperformed last season. The Patriots hold the 4th overall pick in the NFL draft and, given their need at wide receiver, would likely hope top prospect Travis Hunter is available. However, they also need a left tackle, which may take priority in the first round. For now, the Patriots may have to focus on older veteran options in free agency. Diggs had six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons before his injury-plagued year, so it’s possible his career could be revitalized with Maye as his quarterback. Other free agent options include Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, and Diontae Johnson, but Diggs may offer the highest short-term potential, depending on how well he recovers from his knee injury and adjusts to the team.
