Top Receiver Options for Patriots to Replace Stefon Diggs
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The Patriots went into the offseason ready to improve after losing to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. New England’s to-do list got even longer after the team stated receiver Stefon Diggs would be released after one season.
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Diggs signed a three-year deal with the Patriots worth $69 million. He caught 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. That came after rupturing his ACL with Houston the year before.
The 32-year-old’s salary cap charge, per ESPN, was set to rise from $10.5 million to $26.5 million. Off-the-field issues have have also not helped his status in New England. Now, the team must look for a new WR1 for QB Drake Maye.
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There are several options for the Patriots, some more enticing than others. The team could wait for free agency or trade for an elite receiver. Which path will they take?
Here’s a breakdown of a few candidates the Patriots can look into to replace Diggs.
Top Receiver Options for Patriots
Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce was a bright spot for the Colts last year, with a career-high 1,003 receiving yards and catching six touchdown passes. One would think he would be a priority for Indianapolis. However, the team put the franchise tag on Daniel Jones, not him.
Given his value at 25, Pierce would be the perfect fit for the Patriots. It does help that Adam Schefter believes Pierce and New England can work. If Pierce tests the open market, where he's valued at $25 million, the Patriots feel like the ideal team Pierce is looking for.
"Definitely quarterback play, and stability in a franchise. Winning culture. Things like that, I'd say, are probably the most important," Pierce said on Up & Adams via 98.5 The Sports Hub.
"Being in Indy, I played with a ton of different quarterbacks. I think they're on the way to figuring that out with Daniels [Jones]...I think I've understood the battles that come with not having that stability. So I think as a free agent, that would be something that I would look into a lot."
Drake Maye continues to grow, and Mike Vrabel will be by his side long-term. The Patriots’ stability may be the deciding factor that entices Pierce.
A.J. Brown
With Diggs gone, the Patriots are ready and willing to look at anyone. That includes a trade package for A.J. Brown.
The three-time All-Pro is under contract with Philadelphia through 2029. If Brown does get traded, the Eagles, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, are looking for a “Quinnen Williams-esque” package. Howie Roseman will not back down on a deal like that, and he may get what he wants.
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Brown caught 78 receptions last season for his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. He brings value to any team. It also helps New England that coach Mike Vrabel and Brown have a relationship, spending three years together with the Tennessee Titans.
New England needs a new number one, and Brown is that. Given that DJ Moore got traded to the Bills for a second and fifth-round pick, is Philadelphia’s asking price (especially now) worth it?
Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings is looking to cash in after several years with the San Francisco 49ers, becoming one of the injury-riddled team’s most reliable players.
Jennings was also injured this year, but did have a career-high in touchdowns (nine) for 643 yards. He also had a scoring pass to Christian McCaffrey in the playoffs. The 49ers may not be interested in giving him a $26 million franchise tag, which could benefit New England.
At 28, he can be a difference-maker for the Patriots, especially with the playoff experience he has.
Mike Evans
After spending twelve years in Tampa, Mike Evans may look for a change in scenery if he doesn't get a deal done with the Buccaneers. Would the Patriots swoop in and bring the receiver to New England?
Dealing with injuries all of last season, Evans only appeared in eight games and had 30 receptions for 368 yards. At 32, Evans' age may work against him. However, the Patriots could be the ones to benefit from a potential bounce-back year from Evans.
Via Spotrac, Evans’ market value is $13.3 million. The Patriots may not break the bank for him, but Evans is worth checking out.
Rashid Shaheed
Rashid Shaheed helped bring the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, where the team eventually beat the Patriots. New England could have the mindset, “If you can’t beat them, sign them.”
The 28-year-old was acquired by Seattle in a trade with the Saints and caught 15 passes for 188 yards with the Seahawks. Shaheed had over 687 total receiving yards in 2025. Also known for punt and kick returns, Shaheed can provide value on all fronts.
It’s not impossible to think New England will go after him, especially after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Seahawks and Shaheed are not close to an extension.