July 29, 2026 12:30 AM PDT
The made a significant move Wednesday, releasing Stefon Diggs after just one season with the team. While the Patriots signed Diggs to a multi-year deal last offseason, the contract was team-friendly and allowed New England to get out of it this year. Diggs had a succe sful season, producing 1,013 receiving yards and helping the team reach the Super Bowl, but the Patriots decided to move forward without the 32-year-old. As a result, New England now needs a new top wide receiver to pair with Drake Maye entering the 2026 season. Unlike last year, the Patriots are coming off an incredibly succe sful season and will be one of the most attractive landing spots for players this offseason. Heres a list of five wide receivers who make the most sense for New England. MORE: Patriots best WR options 4. Jauan Jennings As the dealt Hassan Whiteside Jersey with injuries over the past two years, Jauan Jennings proved to be a reliable option in the pa sing game. While he has never surpa sed the 1,000-yard mark, he is still just 28 years old and could take the next step as the focal point of an offense. Jennings also brings a wealth of playoff experience, which could come in handy as the Patriots look to return to the Super Bowl. 3. Mike Evans Mike Evans is on the backend of his career, but he still produces at a high level as he enters his 13th NFL season. It's very po sible Evans opts to return to Tampa Bay, but in the event that he switches teams, the Patriots are the exact kind of team that would interest him. Acquiring Evans would require New England to add another piece alongside him, but Evans could replace the veteran experience that Diggs brought to the team in 2025. 2. Alec Pierce Alec Pierce is the most notable free agent wide receiver on the market, as the star will have no shortage of suitors. By releasing Diggs, New England should have ample amount of cap space to offer Pierce a lucrative contract in the open market. Pierce has never played in the playoffs and he has never been a true focal point of a pa sing offense, so there is a jump he has to make. However, the talent is there for Pierce to be the mi sing piece for the Patriots. 1. A.J. Brown The wide receiver is the biggest name available, and has been linked to the Patriots for a few months. Brown and New England head coach Mike Vrabel worked together with the , so there is familiarity between the two. Brown had a down year in 2025, but he still totaled over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. While the Patriots would need to give up a significant package, Brown is likely the biggest game-changer on the market. MORE: Damian Lillard Jersey
The made a significant move Wednesday, releasing Stefon Diggs after just one season with the team. While the Patriots signed Diggs to a multi-year deal last offseason, the contract was team-friendly and allowed New England to get out of it this year. Diggs had a succe sful season, producing 1,013 receiving yards and helping the team reach the Super Bowl, but the Patriots decided to move forward without the 32-year-old. As a result, New England now needs a new top wide receiver to pair with Drake Maye entering the 2026 season. Unlike last year, the Patriots are coming off an incredibly succe sful season and will be one of the most attractive landing spots for players this offseason. Heres a list of five wide receivers who make the most sense for New England. MORE: Patriots best WR options 4. Jauan Jennings As the dealt Hassan Whiteside Jersey with injuries over the past two years, Jauan Jennings proved to be a reliable option in the pa sing game. While he has never surpa sed the 1,000-yard mark, he is still just 28 years old and could take the next step as the focal point of an offense. Jennings also brings a wealth of playoff experience, which could come in handy as the Patriots look to return to the Super Bowl. 3. Mike Evans Mike Evans is on the backend of his career, but he still produces at a high level as he enters his 13th NFL season. It's very po sible Evans opts to return to Tampa Bay, but in the event that he switches teams, the Patriots are the exact kind of team that would interest him. Acquiring Evans would require New England to add another piece alongside him, but Evans could replace the veteran experience that Diggs brought to the team in 2025. 2. Alec Pierce Alec Pierce is the most notable free agent wide receiver on the market, as the star will have no shortage of suitors. By releasing Diggs, New England should have ample amount of cap space to offer Pierce a lucrative contract in the open market. Pierce has never played in the playoffs and he has never been a true focal point of a pa sing offense, so there is a jump he has to make. However, the talent is there for Pierce to be the mi sing piece for the Patriots. 1. A.J. Brown The wide receiver is the biggest name available, and has been linked to the Patriots for a few months. Brown and New England head coach Mike Vrabel worked together with the , so there is familiarity between the two. Brown had a down year in 2025, but he still totaled over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. While the Patriots would need to give up a significant package, Brown is likely the biggest game-changer on the market. MORE: Damian Lillard Jersey