Stefon Diggs is set to make waves in the NFL after signing a lucrative three-year deal worth $69 million with the New England Patriots. This acquisition positions Diggs as the best receiver on the Patriots' current roster and arguably the finest in the team's recent history. However, there are inherent risks associated with this move, particularly concerning Diggs' age and his recovery from an ACL injury. ESPN analyst Seth Walder evaluated this transaction, giving it a grade of B during his instant reaction on Tuesday.
“Enter Diggs, who brings much-needed ability to that receiver room,” Walder noted. He also mentioned that while Diggs is a strong player, he may not have been the Patriots' first choice for a receiver, and that sentiment is understandable. With the current roster needing significant improvements at the wide receiver position, the Patriots found themselves in a challenging situation with limited options available.
Walder highlighted that the Patriots had been pursuing other top talents like Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and D.K. Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but those efforts did not pan out. As a result, the Patriots pivoted their strategy to secure Diggs, a decision that could help elevate their second-year franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. “Also, what were the Patriots going to do?” Walder questioned. “After missing out on better options, New England made this choice instead of heading into the draft with effectively nothing at wideout for their blooming second-year quarterback — which was the worst of all their options.”
While Walder typically critiques contracts for veterans who may not contribute when the team is ready to contend, he recognized the necessity of providing Maye with reliable targets. “It would be worse to let May have no one to throw to as the Patriots try to develop him,” he concluded. With the addition of Stefon Diggs, the Patriots are making a calculated move to bolster their offense and support their young quarterback as they navigate the upcoming season.
