This Wednesday, New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs was absent from the voluntary organized activity held by the bulk of the team, at the start of the offseason ahead of the 2025 season that begins in September
However, his absence was not justified by the team, as on Tuesday a video emerged on social media of the receiver resting in a boat showing an unidentified pink substance and accompanied by three women.
The press present in Foxborough questioned Patriots coach Mike Vrabel about Diggs’ absence and whether they would consider analyzing what happened with the receiver:
“It’s something we’re aware of and obviously we want to make good decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel said, adding that: “… Any conversation I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him, me and the club.”
“Given the timelines and the forecast, we’re working hard to get him back and ready to play. When he’s here, we’ll train him and get him ready,” Vrabel told the press
Additionally, he confirmed that he is in constant communication with Diggs and the rest of the squad. The NFL declined to comment on the matter
The risky signing of Stefon Diggs with the Pats
The Patriots offered Diggs, 31, a three-year, $69 million contract in March to become the top receiver available to second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who in his rookie year did not have high-caliber targets at his disposal.
In 2024, the Patriots finished last in the NFL with 1,723 receiving yards and their receiving corps finished 28th in the league in receptions (161), tied for 28th in touchdown receptions and tied for last in first attempts (78).
After leaving Buffalo, Diggs continues to rehabilitate a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in Week 8 of last season with the Houston Texans and was present for at least one of the Patriots’ voluntary workouts last week.
Until last year, Diggs had a streak of six consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 yards until his injury. At the time, he was seventh in the NFL in receptions (47) and the Texans’ second-leading receiver in receiving yards (496).
In addition to Diggs, the Pats have veteran free agent Mack Hollins and third-year inside receiver DeMario Douglas, and this year they drafted Kyle Williams in the third round
In addition, there is expected to be intense competition in preseason between nine-year veteran Kendrick Bourne, third-year player Kayshon Boutte, 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round), among others.
The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019.
Read the full article here
