Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Sterling Shepard

Thursday, March 12, 11:35 AM

New England Patriots executive vice president Eliot Wolf hasn't completely shut the door on a potential return for free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. The Patriots officially released Diggs at the start of the new league year on Wednesday to free up salary cap space for the 2026 season, but they aren't opposed to re-signing him to a new deal despite signing former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs earlier this week. The 32-year-old veteran is probably past his prime, but he still managed to lead the Patriots in receiving in 2025 with 85 catches on 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts. It was Diggs' seventh time reaching the 1,000-yard mark in his 11 NFL seasons. New England continues to discuss a potential trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, too, but reuniting with Diggs would be the cheaper option and also wouldn't involve giving up significant draft capital. The four-time Pro Bowler would most likely have a smaller role in the passing game for the Pats if he were to return in 2026.