Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Stefon Diggs Development Emerges During Patriots-Jets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 2:43 PM ET

Stefon Diggs and the New England Patriots are taking on the New York Jets in Week 17. At 12-3, New England is looking for its second straight win after defeating the Baltimore Ravens last week on "Sunday Night Football."

In his first season with the Patriots, Diggs has become one of quarterback Drake Maye's most trusted targets. Going into the game, the 32-year-old had 76 receptions, 869 yards and three touchdowns.

After signing a three-year, $63.5 million deal last offseason, he already had the 22nd-largest contract for any wide receiver. Since joining the NFL in 2015, the wide receiver's career earnings are already at $155.87 million.

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8).© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

He continues to add to that total. According to Spotrac, one of Diggs' contract incentives was $500,000 for hitting 80 receptions on the season. That meant going into the Jets matchup, he was four catches short.

During the second quarter on fourth-and-goal with 3 minutes, 1 second remaining in the half, he hauled in a 3-yard touchdown reception from Maye. Not only did it lead to the Patriots going up 28-3, but it was his fourth reception of the game, securing that $500,000 incentive.

With 4 receptions today, #Patriots WR Stefon Diggs has secured another $500,000 bonus, raising his incentives earned to $1M.

The 32-year-old needs 64 receiving yards to add another $500k.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) December 28, 2025

According to Spotrac, he can earn another $500,000 incentive for hitting 1,000 receiving yards. That meant he was 131 yards away going into Week 17.

After tearing his ACL with the Houston Texans in 2024, Diggs has had a productive season for the Patriots. His connection with Maye also continues to grow.

"You have no idea what he means to this team," Maye said of Diggs while speaking to reporters after beating the Ravens. "He's a leader. He's been great in the locker room. He wants the football in his hand and deservingly so."

After playing the Jets, New England will close out the regular season with a Week 18 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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