Stefon Diggs, the prominent wide receiver formerly with the New England Patriots, is set to part ways with the team just one year into his three-year contract. Reports indicate that team officials have informed Diggs, 32, of his impending release, which is anticipated to take effect next week. This decision comes on the heels of a tumultuous season marked by both on-field achievements and off-field controversies.
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Diggs joined the Patriots in a lucrative deal worth $63.5 million, aimed at enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities. Despite putting up significant numbers—catching 85 passes for a total of 1,013 yards and four touchdowns—his time in New England has been overshadowed by a series of unsettling incidents. The NFL star expressed gratitude to the team on social media, stating, “THANK YOU for a hell of a year. We family forever,” shortly before news of his release surfaced.
From the outset of his tenure last year, Diggs was embroiled in negative publicity. Notably, a video emerged in May depicting him on a yacht whilst passing an unidentified substance to women, which quickly went viral. The situation escalated in December when a woman accused him of slapping and choking her, leading to his arrest. These allegations have, undoubtedly, complicated his standing with the Patriots.
Adding to the drama surrounding Diggs was the end of his relationship with rapper Cardi B, with whom he shares a child born in November. The split coincided with the Patriots’ march to this year’s Super Bowl, where they ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
Financial considerations likely played a pivotal role in the Patriots’ decision to release Diggs. The wide receiver’s salary cap hit was scheduled to rise significantly, going from £10.5 million to £26.5 million next season. If he remained part of the roster beyond a specific date, Diggs would have also been entitled to an additional £6 million in guaranteed money. Consequently, these factors seemingly led to the conclusion that his continuation with the team was untenable.
During the NFL combine, Mike Vrabel, the head coach of the Patriots, commented on Diggs’ capabilities and recovery from a knee injury sustained the previous year, praising his work ethic and presence during rehabilitation. However, he also acknowledged that external circumstances, particularly Diggs’ legal troubles, would be taken into account when considering the player’s future.
Following the Super Bowl’s conclusion, Diggs faced legal challenges, being charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 1, casting further uncertainty on his career trajectory.
Vrabel’s remarks hinted at the complexities surrounding Diggs’ situation, as he stated that the franchise would let the legal matters “take care of themselves” while waiting to observe the outcomes of these cases. It indicates a level of support for the player amidst an evolving narrative fraught with personal and legal difficulties.
As both parties prepare for this separation, the future remains uncertain for Diggs. His next steps in the NFL will be closely watched, especially in the context of the ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Patriots will concentrate on restructuring their roster as they look to move forward without one of the league’s more controversial figures.