Patriots get early glimpse of strong connection between Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs that could mean big things in 2025 and beyond

"It's something we're aware of and obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field," head coach Mike Vrabel had said last week. "Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club."

During his first practice open to the media with the Patriots, Stefon Diggs showed some glimpses of why the Patriots signed him. Beyond trying to establish an early connection with Maye, the veteran was around the younger receivers to help them develop as well.

This is the first idea of what the Drake Maye-Stefon Diggs connection will look like in 2025 (and maybe beyond).

What the contract looks like

The Patriots signed Stefon Diggs back in March to a three-year, $63.5 million deal. Of that amount, $16.6 million are fully-guaranteed at signing, which included a $12 million signing bonus. Theoretically, the Patriots could release Diggs and try to void those guarantees for conduct detrimental to the team, but that's not the route the front office wants to take.

In terms of cash, Diggs will make $18.5 million this season and $22.5 million in each of the next two years. In practicality, it's a one-year contract with two team options for the final years of the pact.

Stefon Diggs had six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills between 2018 and 2023. Last year, he got traded to the Houston Texans and had 47 receptions, 496 yards, and three touchdown catches before tearing his ACL in October.

He is expected to return early in the season — realistically, the veteran has a shot to be ready to play in Week 1. And that would be big for Drake Maye, especially after seeing what the quarterback had to endure as a rookie with an underwhelming supporting cast in 2024.