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Top free-agent WR is reportedly visiting with this AFC East team
Could former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs soon be returning to the AFC East?
On Wednesday, The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov tweeted the New England Patriots are meeting with Diggs.
The #Patriots are hosting WR Stefon Diggs for a free agent visit, per @ChadGraff. The first we've heard his name in free agency... pic.twitter.com/BaBCs0uNdY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 20, 2025
Diggs played for the Bills from 2020-23, making four Pro Bowls and earning one first-team All-Pro nod. Buffalo traded him to the Houston Texans in April 2024 due in part to his tense relationship with Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
In eight games with the Texans in 2024, Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.
Given the potential concerns about his injury, signing Diggs — who turns 32 on Nov. 29 — could be a gamble for the Patriots.
But New England desperately needs better pass-catchers. In 2024, tight end Hunter Henry led the Patriots in receiving yards with 674 in 16 games.
WRs Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper are still free agents. However, Allen turns 33 on April 27. Cooper, meanwhile, recorded a career-low 547 receiving yards in 14 games with the Cleveland Browns and Bills in 2024.
The Patriots have the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which they could use on a pass-catcher, but they may want to address their offensive line instead. They tied for fifth in the league in sacks allowed (52) last season.
A veteran WR in Diggs could help Patriots QB Drake Maye unlock his potential. During his rookie season in 2024, the North Carolina product tossed 15 TD passes in 13 games and posted an above-average 58.6 QBR.
It would make some sense for the Patriots to sign Diggs. If it does, that could make New England's divisional rivalry with Buffalo much more intriguing.
More must-reads:
- Patriots agree to a two-year deal with veteran center
- Joe Milton trade buzz persists; Patriots aiming to move on?
- The '2024-25 receiving touchdown leaders by NFL team' quiz
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