Patriots' Drake Maye has telling response to Stefon Diggs' acquittal

The New England Patriots fell just shy of another Vince Lombardi Trophy last season.

Their offense fell short when it mattered the most, and they haven't given Drake Maye more big-name weapons this offseason. They signed Romeo Doubs, and they're still in the mix to trade for A.J. Brown, but they also parted ways with Stefon Diggs.

The controversial wideout was facing assault charges, which may have led to his release. When asked about that, however, Maye was rather politically correct. His response, while brief, was actually quite telling.

The Patriots may not want Stefon Diggs back in Foxborough

"Well, you know, he's always been a great teammate to me, and I know he'll do great things," Maye told AP, per ESPN. "I was fortunate enough to have a year with him, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to him. He's a great player."

Maye praised him, but he didn't say that he hoped he would be back or that he wanted the team to figure something out with him. Instead, he talked as if he already knew he wouldn't return and about the next chapter that wouldn't take place in Foxborough.

All things considered, Diggs had a decent year for Mike Vrabel's team. He started all 17 regular-season games and finished the campaign with 85 catches on 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. However, he regressed drastically in the postseason, logging just 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown in four appearances (three starts). 

Diggs still has something left in the tank, but acquittal or not, he also comes with a history of distractions. The Pats might not want to deal with that anymore, especially with their head coach tangled up in another major scandal.