The Stefon Diggs cut rumors are gaining serious traction, and if the New England Patriots actually release their $63 million wide receiver, the ripple effect across the AFC could be massive.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos all desperate for wide receiver help this offseason, Stefon Diggs instantly becomes one of the most intriguing potential free agents on the market.
And this is not just speculation without substance. The financial math makes it real.
Why Patriots Could Move On from Stefon Diggs
The Stefon Diggs cut rumors stem largely from salary cap realities.
Diggs is set to carry a $26.5 million cap hit in 2026. According to TheScore’s Dan Wilkins, the Patriots could clear $16.8 million in cap space by releasing the 32-year-old wide receiver before another $6 million of his salary becomes guaranteed on March 13.
That deadline looms large.
“Cutting Diggs after he played such a critical role in the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl would probably qualify as a surprise. It’s certainly not impossible, though,” Wilkins wrote.
There is also off-field context. Diggs is currently facing criminal charges, including felony strangulation, stemming from an alleged incident involving his former chef. He pleaded not guilty at a February 13 arraignment.
While that situation remains unresolved, it adds another layer to the Stefon Diggs cut rumors and increases uncertainty surrounding his future in New England.
Stefon Diggs Cut Rumors: Does His Production Justify the Cost?
On the field, Diggs still produced in 2025.
Serving as Drake Maye’s No. 1 receiver, Diggs eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards and scored four touchdowns while appearing in all 17 games. For a 32-year-old wideout, that durability and output matter.
The Patriots are building around a young quarterback in Maye. Committing $26.5 million to a veteran receiver entering his mid-30s may not align with long-term roster construction.
That is why the Stefon Diggs cut rumors refuse to disappear.
Steelers Emerge as Logical Fit in Stefon Diggs Cut Rumors
If the Patriots move on, the Steelers would immediately enter the conversation.
Pittsburgh has neglected the wide receiver position in recent seasons and still lacks reliable depth behind DK Metcalf. In that system, Diggs would not need to carry the full WR1 burden. Instead, he could operate as a high-level No. 2 option and elevate the entire passing attack.
Given the Steelers’ playoff ambitions and need for immediate offensive upgrades, the Stefon Diggs cut rumors align perfectly with Pittsburgh’s offseason priorities.
Bills Reunion? Cut Rumors Reopen Old Door
The Stefon Diggs cut rumors also revive the possibility of a Buffalo reunion.
Diggs had four highly productive seasons with the Bills before his departure. Although the relationship ended awkwardly, Diggs publicly reaffirmed his respect for quarterback Josh Allen this past season.
“That’s my dog man,” Diggs said of Allen. “I’ve got a lot of love and respect for that young man. He’s a tremendous player.”
Buffalo’s wide receiver need is glaring. The offense has lacked a consistent top-tier option since Diggs’ exit. If the Patriots release him, the Bills could justify a reunion on both competitive and emotional grounds.
In Buffalo, Diggs would likely step right back into a WR1 role.
Broncos Add Veteran Option in Stefon Diggs Cut Rumors
Denver is another intriguing landing spot.
The Broncos’ receiving corps is young and led by Courtland Sutton, but adding a veteran with Diggs’ route-running precision and playoff experience could accelerate their offensive development.
If the Patriots finalize the move, the Stefon Diggs cut rumors could evolve into a three-team bidding contest between playoff-caliber franchises.
Stefon Diggs Cut Rumors: Decision Looms Before March Deadline
Ultimately, the Stefon Diggs cut rumors hinge on timing.
If New England Patriots releases him before March 13, the market will move quickly. Veteran wide receivers with proven 1,000-yard production do not linger in free agency.
Diggs still has “gas left in the tank,” as his 2025 campaign proved. The question is whether the Patriots believe his cap hit outweighs his value.
For now, the Stefon Diggs cut rumors remain speculation.
But with the salary guarantee deadline approaching and multiple contenders circling, this story feels less like rumor and more like an impending AFC shake-up.
