The New England Patriots have a necessity at large receiver after it was reported that Stefon Diggs might be launched subsequent Wednesday firstly of the 2026 league yr.
After a magical run to Tremendous Bowl LX led to disappointment, New England wants a plan to make up for Diggs’ absence. Listed here are 5 methods the Patriots can discover a WR1 this offseason.
That must be the likeliest choice. Brown, 28, has a historical past with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their time spent along with the Tennessee Titans. He is additionally reportedly being floated in commerce talks by the Eagles, who are looking for a first-round decide and quick difference-maker in negotiations. That is a hefty worth however properly price it for a wideout with six 1,000-yard seasons in seven years since being drafted No. 51 general in 2019.
2. Discover commerce marketplace for younger star receivers
If a Brown commerce would not materialize, New England ought to look into the provision of youthful execs. Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. involves thoughts first after a troublesome second season and first underneath Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and common supervisor James Gladstone. New Orleans Saints large receiver Chris Olave is about to play on his fifth-year rookie choice in 2026 and is owed a second contract. Whereas it would not make sense for New Orleans to half with quarterback Tyler Shough’s prime weapon, an awesome provide may make the entrance workplace think about a transfer.
3. Signal large receiver in free company
Per Over The Cap, the Patriots have been $29.28 million above the cap earlier than information of Diggs’ pending launch broke. That can save the group an extra $18.5M, which New England can use to focus on one of many prime receivers in the marketplace. Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce is the very best accessible, in line with NFL.com. Nonetheless, he would not have expertise as a real No. 1. That would make somebody corresponding to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans interesting. Whereas older by 100 days than Diggs, he started his profession with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons earlier than accidents restricted him to eight video games and 368 receiving yards in 2025.
ESPN’s Seth Walder shared a mannequin that estimates the typical annual worth of pending free-agent contracts from the highest 50 projected earners within the class, with Evans coming in at an estimated $23.43M, which might be roughly $1.5M lower than Diggs was owed.
