Pats' Diggs expects to return in 2026 despite large cap hit
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs expects to be back with New England next season despite his cap hits drastically increasing over the next two years.
"Unless they opt out of the contract," Diggs said after Sunday's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, according to MassLive's Mark Daniels.
"I anticipate being here, so I hope so. Love my guys. I had a hell of a year playing with them. Built some real family-like bond, so I hope so, I don't control it though."
Diggs signed a three-year, $69-million deal last March that included $22.6 million in guarantees. His cap number jumps to $26.5 million in each of the next two seasons after having a $10.5-million hit in 2025. However, the Patriots can save $16.8 million in cap space if they release Diggs before June 1.
The 32-year-old led the Patriots this year in targets (102), receptions (85), and receiving yards (1,013). Diggs also played in all 17 regular-season contests and was the only Patriots pass-catcher to eclipse the 1,000-yard threshold.
New England signed Diggs after he spent one year with the Houston Texans. He was previously with the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings, earning four Pro Bowl nominations during those tenures.
"Had a hell of a time in Minnesota, had a hell of a time in Buffalo, had hell of a time in Houston," Diggs said. "I don't compare and contrast. You know, comparison is the thief of joy. I had a good time at all those places.
"Did it work out? No. But I'm happy where I'm at right now and embrace what I got going on here, so I'm just super thankful."
Diggs finished this year's four-game postseason run with 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown.