The New England Patriots have decided to move on from veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs after just one season with the team. While Diggs remained productive on the field, the decision comes during a turbulent time off the field as the star receiver faces multiple legal issues that have followed him throughout the past year.
Diggs joined the Patriots with high expectations and quickly became a major part of the offense. During the 2025 season, the four-time Pro Bowler recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and helped lead New England on a deep playoff run that ultimately ended at Super Bowl LX. Despite the strong performance, the Patriots chose to release him as the team reshapes its roster heading into the next NFL season.
The biggest controversy surrounding Diggs came in late 2025 when he was charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery following an alleged incident at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts. The accusations came from a woman who previously worked as his personal chef and claimed the altercation happened during a dispute about unpaid wages.
According to reports, the alleged victim told police Diggs slapped and choked her during the confrontation. Diggs has denied the allegations through his attorney and pleaded not guilty in court. The case remains ongoing, with further hearings scheduled as the legal process continues.
Just days before the Patriots appeared in the Super Bowl, Diggs was also named in a civil lawsuit tied to an alleged assault and defamation dispute involving a stolen luxury Ferrari. The lawsuit claims Diggs falsely accused someone of stealing the vehicle, damaging the individual’s reputation and business.
The situation added more attention to Diggs’ off-field issues during one of the biggest moments of the NFL season.
Diggs has also been involved in other legal conflicts in recent years. In 2024 he filed a lawsuit accusing a reality TV personality of assault and attempted extortion following a dispute at his home after a night out. His legal team argued that he was the victim in that situation and sought damages.
With the Patriots releasing him, Diggs now enters free agency while still dealing with ongoing legal proceedings. Even at 32 years old, he remains one of the most talented wide receivers available, meaning teams around the league could still show interest if his legal situation becomes clearer. Diggs has since cleared his Instagram account and posted a story confirming the news of his release.
For New England, the move signals a shift toward the future and frees up roster flexibility. For Stefon Diggs, it marks an uncertain next chapter in a career that has been filled with both elite on-field production and significant off-field controversy.
