​It has now been exactly four months since the New England Patriots released their 2025 receiving leader, Stefon Diggs, and the veteran remains unsigned as most teams prepare for training camp in about two weeks. Diggs’ lingering free-agent status comes despite his assault case having been resolved in his favor in early May. At 32 years old, he has yet to land a contract, and the quiet period ahead of camps has kept his situation in the news, with fans wondering if a reunion in Foxborough could still be possible.
Over the last couple of months, Patriots fans have floated the idea of bringing Diggs back on social media, especially after last season in which he became New England’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 and helped drive a revitalized offense to a Super Bowl appearance. Yet, from the team’s side, there doesn’t appear to be active pursuit of that reunion. Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked at mandatory minicamp whether the Patriots had considered re-signing Diggs, and his answer suggested the coaching staff is content with the current wide receiver group and the roles already in place. “I think we’re probably at the number that we would need right now,” Vrabel said on June 10. “I wouldn’t say anything is off the table. We’d want to add anybody that can help us. I’m not going to give a percentage on it, but I think we’re happy with where we’re at right now, with the numbers and the people in the receiver room.”
In the wake of a playoff collapse that saw the Patriots’ passing game struggle, the organization decided to upgrade the position this offseason. They opened by signing Romeo Doubs to a multi-year deal in free agency after releasing Diggs. The team also made a bold move by parting with a 2028 first-round pick to acquire A.J. Brown, signaling a clear shift in strategy aimed at boosting production at wide receiver through a new combination of talent and approach, rather than relying on Diggs to anchor the unit again in 2025.
Behind Brown and Doubs in the depth chart, New England still possesses a wealth of options that contribute to a notably deep receiving corps. The group includes Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte — a noted deep threat and partner to quarterback Drake Maye — and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams. These four players joined the veteran core to help Maye rally the team to a Super Bowl appearance after a prior 4-13 season, underscoring the willingness of the Patriots to rebuild and diversify their pass-catching corps.
Among this group, DeMario Douglas appears poised to reclaim the primary slot role in 2026, following an impressive spring. His progress has been evident in minicamp, where wide receivers coach Todd Downing highlighted his growth. “I think second year in the system, you even see more confidence,” Downing said. “Just a little pep in his step, being around us and being comfortable with us, being who he is and letting his personality be out there and energetic. And that’s something that is awesome to have as a coach.” Downing also complimented Douglas on his decision-making and route-running, noting that when a decision is required—whether it’s a choice route, a post, or a deeper route—Douglas has shown improved judgment and execution. The assessment suggests Douglas is becoming a reliable, versatile option in the Patriots’ aerial attack, capable of adjusting to different coverage looks and game plans as the team continues its rebuild.