FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Veteran large receiver Stefon Diggs says he took only one free agent go to — to the New England Patriots — earlier than formally signing his three-year contract with the workforce Friday.
“I used to be contemplating a pair different locations, however that is all prior to now now,” Diggs mentioned at Gillette Stadium.
Diggs’ contract is price $69 million, a supply informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which is the vary the large receiver mentioned he anticipated when it comes to common per season, partly as a result of he’s coming off a torn ACL in his proper knee sustained Oct. 27 whereas enjoying for the Houston Texans.
“I sort of figured [the contract] was going to be round that space, contemplating I am coming off the harm, but in addition the truth that I am one of many solely receivers that had six 1,000-yard seasons consecutively [before the injury],” he mentioned. “The manufacturing, it is at all times been right here. I can transfer the chains. I can do intermediate. I can go deep. I did that every one all through my profession. My résumé in all probability speaks for itself, nevertheless it was extra so the harm that will deter or make the cash is what it’s.
“I take a look at it undoubtedly as a possibility. What may’ve been, may’ve been. At this level I’m the place I’m, and I am grateful.”
Diggs, 31, was launched by the workforce Friday and was joined by his mom, Stephanie, who sat within the entrance row as he answered questions from reporters.
He stopped wanting setting a timetable for when he might be able to apply however sounded inspired with how his knee has responded.
“I am forward of schedule. I am attempting to remain forward of schedule,” he mentioned. “I have been fairly severe concerning the grind course of, so far as the rehab and all the pieces.”
Diggs mentioned he has had solely transient contact with second-year quarterback Drake Maye however is keen to start creating a rapport with him, much like how he did with Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen from 2020 to 2023.
“It is loopy as a result of, whenever you ask round, folks say he acts quite a bit like Josh. And you realize, that was my man,” Diggs mentioned. “We performed him final 12 months, and he confirmed plenty of combat. He has that fiery quarterback ‘I wish to win’ mindset. In order that’s one thing I get enthusiastic about and like to be round.”
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel informed the “Inexperienced Gentle” podcast, hosted by former NFL participant Chris Lengthy, that signing Diggs was a transfer made with Maye in thoughts.
“Simply attempting to ensure we’re supporting Drake and supporting the soccer workforce,” Vrabel mentioned. “This can be a extremely aggressive, assured receiver that is produced all through his profession and a number of methods. He is received a play energy to him. He can play bodily, [has] route craft, good on the catch level, has been good within the purple zone. There is a play model to him that I’ve at all times appreciated. … His dialog, his demeanor, his angle and his presence have been nice by way of our conversations.”
