New England Patriots DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

On Friday, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) noted that he's excited to play with quarterback Drake Maye. "I'm excited. I really look forward to it," Diggs said. The Maryland product was productive in eight games with the Houston Texans in 2024 before an ACL tear derailed his season. Now, he's set to boost the Patriots' passing game and is reportedly on track to be ready for Week 1. New England's leading receiver a season ago was tight end Hunter Henry (66-674-2), so the 31-year-old enters a favorable situation to garner a significant target share right away if he's healthy. The Patriots have somewhat bolstered their offensive line in free agency but still have some work to do in that aspect. If their front is addressed, affording Maye more time to operate, Diggs could again provide value as a PPR asset, barring a setback in his recovery.

Free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) reached an agreement with the New England Patriots on Tuesday on a three-year, $69 million contract that includes $26 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Diggs, who tore his ACL with the Houston Texans in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts last year, is on track to return for Week 1 of the upcoming 2025 season. It's a big reason why the Patriots were comfortable giving the 31-year-old veteran a three-year, $69 million contract. Before his injury last year, Diggs put up 47 receptions on 64 targets for 496 yards and three touchdowns for Houston. In New England (if healthy), he'll be second-year quarterback Drake Maye's unquestioned top wideout, giving him a chance to bounce back in fantasy as a risk/reward WR2. Diggs' fantasy stock will be in flux this summer until he proves he's indeed ready to go without restrictions heading into Week 1.

The New England Patriots' visit with free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) didn't end with a deal this week, but both sides intend to stay in contact, a source tells FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. This meeting between the two sides was more of a "get to know you" and "where you're at medically" type of meeting after Diggs tore his ACL while playing for the Houston Texans in 2024. The Patriots have a big need at receiver with Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne currently their top three wideouts, so Diggs would make a lot of sense, even though he won't be guaranteed to be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 season. The 31-year-old four-time Pro Bowler broke a streak of six straight 1,000-yard seasons last year because of his injury. Diggs might lose a step when he returns, but he'd still be the unquestioned No. 1 for second-year QB Drake Maye if the two sides eventually work something out.