Pats Pulpit
It’s been exactly four months since the New England Patriots released their 2025 receiving leader, Stefon Diggs, and the veteran remains unsigned as training camp approaches for most franchises in two weeks.
Even though Diggs’ previously pending assault case was resolved in his favor in early May, no deal has materialized for the 32-year-old yet.
Calls for a reunion have surfaced among Patriots fans on social media over the last two months, after a season with New England where Diggs became the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 and helped lead a revitalized offense to a Super Bowl appearance.
But New England doesn’t appear to be actively entertaining that idea.
Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked during mandatory minicamp if the team had considered bringing Diggs back. His response indicated that the coaching staff is comfortable with the current makeup of the wide receiver corps.
“I think we’re probably at the number that we would need right now,” Vrabel said on June 10. “I wouldn’t say anything is off the table. We’d want to add anybody that can help us. I’m not going to give a percentage on it, but I think we’re happy with where we’re at right now, with the numbers and the people in the receiver room.”
Following the championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks — where the Patriots receivers only totaled 60 yards at the commencement of the third quarter — team brass decided to upgrade at the position this offseason.
New England began by signing Romeo Doubs to a multi-year deal in free agency after releasing Diggs. It was also willing to depart from a 2028 first-round pick to acquire A.J. Brown, illustrating its commitment to rebuilding the position’s production through a different approach compared to 2025.
Behind the duo atop the depth chart, Brown and Doubs, the Patriots still boast plenty of pieces that make up a very deep receiver room, including Mack Hollins, quarterback Drake Maye’s favorite deep threat Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round draft selection Kyle Williams. All four pass-catchers played a role in helping Maye propel the team to the Super Bowl after a previous 4-13 season.
Among that group, Douglas looks poised to reclaim the primary slot role in 2026 after an impressive spring, during which he was a main contributor on offense.
“I think second year in the system, you even see more confidence,” wide receivers coach Todd Downing said during minicamp of Douglas’ growth. “Just a little pep in his step being around us and being comfortable with us, being who he is and letting his personality be out there and energetic. And that’s something that is awesome to have as a coach.
“But secondly, I would say he’s really doing a good job with decision-making routes. So, if there’s a decision to be made, whether it’s a choice route or a post or...
