The Stefon Diggs era in New England is off to a rocky start, raising questions about whether it might end before it truly begins. The wide receiver, who signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the Patriots earlier this offseason, was a no-show at OTAs this week. That absence, in itself, might not have sparked much concern until videos surfaced showing Diggs partying on a boat, potentially in possession of a pink, powdery substance.
First-year head coach Mike Vrabel attempted to downplay the controversy, but the scrutiny around Diggs’ behavior is not likely to fade quickly. In an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher and Hardy,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer suggested the situation could escalate, depending on how Vrabel and the organization view Diggs’ explanation.
“I sort of think all things are on the table,” Breer said, emphasizing that the credibility of Diggs’ account to Vrabel may ultimately dictate how the team proceeds. With no definitive proof of wrongdoing — especially regarding the substance in question — the league’s hands are likely tied. Still, the decision falls to the Patriots, who must determine whether Diggs’ actions align with the culture Vrabel wants to establish.
If the Patriots do consider cutting ties with the former Pro Bowler, timing becomes crucial. Breer explained that in order to recoup any of the guaranteed money, the team would have to act swiftly. “You can’t hold him on the roster for two weeks and then decide, OK, we’re done with you,” he noted. That urgency suggests the organization may already be deliberating Diggs’ future behind closed doors.
Diggs’ situation is complicated by several factors. On one hand, he’s a veteran presence with a track record of elite production — when healthy. On the other, he’s 30 years old and coming off a torn ACL, with questions about his ability to bounce back at a high level. If Vrabel wants to set a disciplinary tone early in his tenure, Diggs could become a cautionary example.
Still, cutting a player with Diggs’ talent and investment isn’t a simple decision. The Patriots lack elite weapons in their receiving corps, and Diggs was expected to provide a spark in what’s been a lackluster offense. His leadership, experience, and on-field ability remain valuable — assuming he stays on the right path.
It’s also worth noting that this incident, while concerning, occurred during the offseason. That might earn Diggs a bit of leeway. If he presents a reasonable explanation and demonstrates commitment going forward, Vrabel may opt for a stern warning rather than a drastic move.
Ultimately, the Patriots are at a crossroads. Vrabel must weigh the impact of Diggs’ behavior against his potential value to the team. Whether this becomes a defining moment or a brief offseason blip could depend largely on what’s happening behind the scenes at Gillette Stadium. If Breer is right, we may find out very soon whether Diggs’ time in Foxboro ends before it ever really begins.
