Patriots to release WR Stefon Diggs

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots stands on the field prior to an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots and their most productive pass catcher from a season ago will go separate ways in 2026. The team has informed wide receiver Stefon Diggs that it is planning to release him after the start of next week's free agency, as first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Diggs himself confirmed the move on social media on Wednesday.

Stefon Diggs says goodbye to New England on Instagram after a special one season with the team. pic.twitter.com/RzTU4dRdep

- Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) March 4, 2026

Diggs, 32, originally arrived in New England last offseason via a three-year, $63.5 million free agency deal. The structure of the contract, however, gave the team an out after each season - one it will now be taking advantage of.

In his lone season as a Patriot, Diggs saw action in all 17 regular season games as well as the team's four playoff contests. He finished the year ranked first among Drake Maye's weapons with a combined 99 catches for 1,123 yards; Diggs also found the end zone on four occassions.

This story will be updated.