New England Patriots DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

With new head coach Mike Vrabel at the helm, the New England Patriots are open to trading players from the previous coaching staff, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, and one name to watch is wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. The former LSU wideout will turn 23 in May and had 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns on 68 targets over 15 games (13 starts) in his second year in the NFL. The Patriots selected the 22-year-old pass-catcher in the sixth round (187th overall) in the 2023 NFL draft. Boutte only had two catches on seven targets for 19 yards in his rookie campaign in five games played in New England, and although receiver is a position of need for the organization despite the fact that added Stefon Diggs this offseason, it sounds like Boutte is expendable. Even if Boutte isn't traded, expect the Patriots to address their receiver depth in this week's NFL draft.

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.

Free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee), a 10-year veteran and former All-Pro with six 1,000-yard seasons in his career, is visiting with the New England Patriots, a league source told The Athletic's Chad Graff. The two sides haven't agreed to a contract, but a deal could come soon if the visit goes well for both sides. The 31-year-old former fifth-round pick (146th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 out of the University of Maryland played in eight games for the Houston Texans last year and caught 47 of his 64 targets for 496 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a season-ending ACL tear eight games into the season. As things currently stand, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk are the Pats' top receivers, so adding Diggs makes tons of sense. Diggs would likely serve as QB Drake Maye's top target, although there's no guarantee he'll be ready for Week 1 of the regular season after tearing his ACL in late October.