The New England Patriots have a necessity at large receiver after it was reported that Stefon Diggs can be launched subsequent Wednesday at the beginning of the 2026 league yr.
After a magical run to Tremendous Bowl LX resulted in 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 needs to 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 choose and instant difference-maker in negotiations. That is a hefty worth however nicely value it for a wideout with six 1,000-yard seasons in seven years since being drafted No. 51 total in 2019.
2. Discover commerce marketplace for younger star receivers
If a Brown commerce does not materialize, New England ought to look into the supply of youthful professionals. Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. involves thoughts first after a tough second season and first beneath Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and common supervisor James Gladstone. New Orleans Saints large receiver Chris Olave is ready to play on his fifth-year rookie choice in 2026 and is owed a second contract. Whereas it does not make sense for New Orleans to half with quarterback Tyler Shough’s high weapon, an awesome supply may make the entrance workplace contemplate a transfer.
3. Signal large receiver in free company
Per Over The Cap, the Patriots had been $29.28 million above the cap earlier than information of Diggs’ pending launch broke. That may save the group a further $18.5M, which New England can use to focus on one of many high receivers available on the market. Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce is the most effective out there, in keeping with NFL.com. Nonetheless, he does not have expertise as a real No. 1. That would make somebody reminiscent of 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 common 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.
