Five paths Patriots can take to find WR1 after Stefon Diggs' release

The New England Patriots have a need at wide receiver after it was reported that Stefon Diggs will be released next Wednesday at the start of the 2026 league year.

After a magical run to Super Bowl LX ended in disappointment, New England needs a plan to make up for Diggs' absence. Here are five ways the Patriots can find a WR1 this offseason.

1. Trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown

That has to be the likeliest option. Brown, 28, has a history with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their time spent together with the Tennessee Titans. He's also reportedly being floated in trade talks by the Eagles, who are looking for a first-round pick and immediate difference-maker in negotiations. That's a hefty price but well worth it for a wideout with six 1,000-yard seasons in seven years since being drafted No. 51 overall in 2019.

2. Explore trade market for young star receivers

If a Brown trade doesn't materialize, New England should look into the availability of younger pros. Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. comes to mind first after a difficult second season and first under Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is set to play on his fifth-year rookie option in 2026 and is owed a second contract. While it doesn't make sense for New Orleans to part with quarterback Tyler Shough's top weapon, an overwhelming offer might make the front office consider a move.

3. Sign wide receiver in free agency

Per Over The Cap, the Patriots were $29.28 million above the cap before news of Diggs' pending release broke. That will save the team an additional $18.5M, which New England can use to target one of the top receivers on the market. Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce is the best available, according to NFL.com. Still, he doesn't have experience as a true No. 1. That could make someone such as Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans appealing. While older by 100 days than Diggs, he began his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons before injuries limited him to eight games and 368 receiving yards in 2025.

ESPN's Seth Walder shared a model that estimates the average annual value of pending free-agent contracts from the top 50 projected earners in the class, with Evans coming in at an estimated $23.43M, which would be roughly $1.5M less than Diggs was owed.