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Patriots QB Drake Maye Dealt Bad News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 4:20 PM ET

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots had a strong 2025 NFL season under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. Finishing 14-3 and in first in the AFC East, the Patriots earned the No. 1 seed, cruising to an AFC Championship Game win. But their season ended in disappointment, falling to Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.

While New England may have missed out on its seventh Super Bowl win, Maye still had the best year of his young career. The former North Carolina quarterback completed 354-of-492 passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, becoming one of the frontrunners in the MVP race. However, entering his third NFL season, Maye will be without his favorite pass-catcher.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Stefon Diggs was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 146th pick in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The former Maryland wide receiver spent his first five seasons in Minnesota, even creating one of the franchise's greatest plays in the "Minneapolis Miracle." But ahead of the 2020 season, Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills.

Spending four seasons with the Bills alongside quarterback Josh Allen, Diggs became one of the NFL's premier receivers, earning four Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro honors. But following the 2023 season, Diggs was traded once again, this time to the Houston Texans, where he spent one season.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million deal with the Patriots. And he did not disappoint, becoming Maye's favorite target with team-highs of 85 catches for 1,013 yards, adding four touchdown catches as well. However, heading into free agency, the Patriots decided it was time for a big change, releasing Diggs and leaving Maye without one of his top targets.

"The Patriots informed four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs they’re releasing him after the start of the league year next week, per sources," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote on X.

The Patriots informed four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs they’re releasing him after the start of the league year next week, per sources. pic.twitter.com/cRKS8pJw9G
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 4, 2026