The New England Patriots’decision to release Stefon Diggs ahead of the 2026 league year may have caught fans off guard, but for Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, the move was a logical conclusion to a complicated tenure.
Speaking with TMZ Sports shortly after the news broke on Thursday, Moon suggested that while Diggs’ talent remains undeniable, a combination of off-field distractions and a shift in the Patriots’ long-term financial strategy made the departure inevitable.
Diggs’ single season in Foxborough was statistically productive; he started all 17 games, serving as a primary target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
The veteran receiver hauled in 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, providing the young signal-caller with a reliable, veteran presence during a pivotal developmental year. However, Moon pointed to a noticeable decline in impact during the final stretch of the season as a red flag for a team looking to optimize its roster.
“You know, it doesn’t surprise me,” Moon told TMZ. “He brings a lot of baggage wherever he goes right now. He has off-the-field stuff, and he wasn’t as productive over the last part of the season as he had been in the first part of the season.”
Financial flexibility and a “Marketing Machine” league
The business of the NFL played an equally large role in the transaction. Diggs was entering the most expensive phase of his three-year, $63.5 million contract.
By executing the release before the start of the new league year on March 11, the Patriots successfully avoided a $26.5 million payout scheduled for 2026. This move provides New England with significant salary cap relief, which Moon believes will be used to inject youth into the receiving corps.
“Salary cap-wise, they can probably use that money to upgrade the position and maybe with a younger, less expensive receiver,” Moon noted.
Despite the “baggage” mentioned, Moon remains optimistic about Diggs’ prospects in free agency. He suggested that a contending team in need of a proven, experienced route-runner will likely overlook the recent release in favor of Diggs’ career resume.
“Some team will want a veteran receiver that has experience like he does, and he’s been pretty productive,” Moon added.
Read the full article here
