The New England Patriots informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Wednesday that he will be released when the new league year begins next week, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move has not been officially announced.
The release, which will free up nearly $17 million in salary cap space, ends Diggs’ brief tenure with the team after he signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract as an unrestricted free agent from the Houston Texans on March 28, 2025. Diggs posted a message thanking the Patriots and their fans shortly after the news broke.
In 2025, Diggs started all 17 games and recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. The Patriots reached Super Bowl LX but fell to the Seattle Seahawks.
The move comes amid a series of off-field controversies that have surrounded Diggs since he arrived in New England.
In May 2025, a video surfaced online showing Diggs on a yacht with several women while holding a pink substance. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the team would investigate. Diggs later told reporters he had spoken with Vrabel and preferred to keep his personal life private.
In December 2025, Diggs was charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery stemming from an alleged dispute with his personal chef at his home. He pleaded not guilty in February 2026 and has denied the allegations. Court proceedings are ongoing.
Diggs was also involved in multiple civil lawsuits during his time with the team. He filed suits alleging extortion and defamation against individuals, including a clothing designer who had publicly accused him of drugging and attempting to sexually assault him. Another case involved claims of retaliatory harassment tied to a stolen Ferrari accusation. Those matters remain active.
Diggs’ personal life also drew attention. He began dating rapper Cardi B in early 2025, with the relationship going public in May when the couple was spotted courtside at a Knicks-Celtics playoff game. They welcomed a son in November 2025. The couple split in February 2026, days before the Super Bowl, amid reports of repeated betrayals and trust issues. Cardi B addressed the breakup during stops on her “Little Miss Drama Tour,” including a recent concert rant that appeared aimed at Diggs.
Social media reactions poured in immediately after the release news.
On X, former NFL Network reporter and current Patriots radio voice Alex Barth went live to break down the decision. Patriots beat reporter Brian Hines and others hosted similar live discussions within minutes.
Patriots fan account @BladesBlitzBall wrote: “The Patriots are releasing WR Stefon Diggs after one season. His salary was set to jump from $10.5m to $26.5m next season … He’s also facing multiple criminal charges. Cap space move..or optics?”
Another user, @thatshortguyxx, posted a tongue-in-cheek “2026 speedrun” summary: “Stefon Diggs 2026 speedrun: Super Bowl L ✅ Cardi B breakup ✅ Patriots cut ✅ Court date loading ✅ All-time rough start 💀😂”
Draft-focused account @BellinoZee noted the ripple effect: “Stefon Diggs impending release means the odds of the New England Patriots drafting a WR at 31 just increased exponentially,” listing prospects such as Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.
The Patriots have not commented publicly on the release or potential replacements. General manager Eliot Wolf is expected to address the roster moves at the NFL scouting combine later this month.
Diggs, 32, becomes a free agent and will be eligible to sign with any team once the league year opens.
