After collectively being one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL for multiple seasons, the Patriots weren’t that in 2025-26. Imagine having players line up where they’re supposed to, and then - most of the time - run the right routes? This group was well-coached by Todd Downing and well-coordinated by Josh McDaniels. That matters because, truth be told, it’s still not an overwhelmingly talented group. Better than it’s been, but no one I’ve talked to league-wide would put them any higher than middle-of-the-road, which is fair.
Will there be changes? I’m sure that’s on the docket, but unless the Pats veer from their previous history, there’s probably not nearly as much cash to burn as you would hope, especially after last year’s spending spree (Greg illustrated this on Thursday).
Under contract: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb.
Per Over the Cap, Diggs’ contract takes a major leap in year two of this three-year deal he signed (which isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on). Try $20.6 million in salary, and a $26.5 million cap hit. That last number would put him behind only Milton Williams on this roster. Is a 32-year-old receiver, who will turn 33 in December, worth that?
Certainly, Diggs had more production than anyone could have anticipated. That ACL injury suffered midway through the 2024-25 season didn’t hold him back. He was ready for week one, and led the Pats with 85 catches and became the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman back in 2019, finishing just north of that barrier (1,013). He also did a hell of a job in that room. Perhaps I’m overstating his influence, but the selflessness of that group was rather stunning after living through what we have with at least a couple of those guys last year (Douglas, Boutte). They deserve credit for growing up, first and foremost, but Diggs was quick to throw flowers their way both publicly and, I’m told, privately. That mattered.
But, like the rest of the offense, Diggs faded down the stretch and made very little impact in the postseason (14 catches, 110 yards). If you go back and look at the history of players at that position, it is rare to maintain this level of production at this stage of a career. I mean, Larry Fitzgerald did it, and he’s headed to the Hall of Fame. Is Diggs in that same class physically? The Pats will certainly have to