Stefon Diggs' 2025 began the same way 2024 ended: in recovery and rehab after an ACL surgery.
It changed dramatically when he signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots earlier this week. Diggs has a new quarterback and offense to learn, as well as an entirely new set of surroundings with a team that finished among the NFL's worst in 2024.
The new digs are a far cry from where he spent most of his career contending for postseason berths and more with Minnesota, Buffalo and Houston. But Diggs sees opportunity with the Patriots in part because of who is lining up under center.
"I'm excited. I really look forward to it," Diggs said Friday of playing with promising quarterback Drake Maye. "It's crazy 'cause when you ask around, he has a lot of similarities… Well, people say through the grapevine he acts a lot like Josh (Allen). That was my guy, so I look forward to meeting and connecting with him."
Diggs is hopping on board with a franchise that spent most of the 21st century residing among the NFL's best. When folks looked for a model organization, they pointed toward New England, but after two straight 4-13 seasons and two accompanying coaching changes, the Patriots are now largely an afterthought.
Well, they were until they got busy this offseason, spending lavishly while signing a collection of free agents on both sides of the ball in an attempt to inject competitive talent into a roster devoid of it in 2024. Diggs is perhaps the most notable addition, even when considering he's returning from a knee injury. He also knows what it's like to play in New England, having played for their AFC East rival Bills for four years.
While many might be selling on the Patriots, Diggs is buying. He mentioned Friday how he's "had a lot of fun here" and is "excited to be back in the AFC East."
The $69 million certainly doesn't hurt, either.
"I know the money will follow with your production," Diggs said. "What I've done in the past is my résumé. At this point, I'm really looking forward to putting my best foot in front of me. Even towards last year, I was at 47 receptions and 450 yards, something like that, close to 500 yards. That's halfway through the season. I would've been on pace to have another 1,000-yard season, 100 catches, if I didn't get banged up. So if you're doing the math right, I'ma be productive."
At 31 years old and coming off a significant knee injury, most wondered if Diggs still has the abilities in him to be a game-changing receiver. He arrived in Houston as a major addition but played just eight games before his season ended due to the knee injury. Now, he's joining a team that isn't exactly projected to reach the postseason.
Perhaps it's the perfect fit for a player like Diggs who enters 2025 with a point to prove.
"I've [spent] 10 and a half years playing this game," Diggs said. "It would've been 11 if I didn't get banged up. So I definitely look forward to getting back on track. 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. I feel like I can be helpful, as far as that development with the receivers and everybody involved. For me personally, getting back out there and getting active. I just want to put my talents to use."
