The New England Patriots failed to address the wide receiver position in free agency and via trade.
DK Metcalf, Cooper Kupp and Tee Higgins were all rumored to be potential options for the Patriots. Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kupp signed with the Seattle Seahawks shortly after being released by the Los Angeles Rams and Higgins signed a long-term deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
New England has finally taken a step in revamping the receiving corps by signing a notable veteran wideout.
According to ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Patriots have signed four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million contract that includes $26 million guaranteed.
The 31-year-old wide receiver is still recovering from a season-ending torn ACL he suffered in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Diggs had proved to be a reliable weapon for C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans up to that point, catching 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns.
Stroud benefited greatly from Diggs' presence, as the 23-year-old quarterback completed 73% of his passes when targeting the veteran wideout.
The Patriots will be looking for the same type of impact and production with Drake Maye, who is entering his second season. Diggs is no stranger to this. He was acquired by the Buffalo Bills when Josh Allen was entering his third year and traded to the Texans when Stroud was entering his second year.
The Patriots have supplied Maye with a reliable weapon, who will predominately operate in the slot. Diggs is set to be a focal point of the offense with the amount of money being committed to him. New England also signed Mack Hollins earlier this offseason.
This receiving corps, as currently constructed, is nowhere near the level to help Maye take that next step in his development. The Patriots should continue to strengthen this position in the draft.
If New England can pair Diggs with Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan, this acquisition will make more sense.
