Diggs Reunion Dismissed
Vrabel Downplays Diggs Return Amid Patriots' Focus on Brown-Maye Connection
Key Points
The Patriots acquired A.J. Brown from the Eagles for draft capital—sending a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, setting the financial/roster stakes for immediately integrating Brown with Drake Maye.
Vrabel specified that Brown and Maye “found each other a couple of times yesterday in the red zone,” but reiterated that the key issue is building repeatable timing—saying the “connection is critical,” with “practice” and “the reps… critical,” and framing it as a process of learning what Brown likes and adding new things to Maye.
Stefon Diggs’ return chatter is happening in the context of the Pats already moving on: he was released in March after one year of a three-year, $63.5-million deal, and he remains an unrestricted free agent.
Despite the Patriots’ denial, Diggs is actively thinking about his next landing spot—he “hinted at joining the Washington Commanders last month,” underscoring that the reunion with New England is not the only storyline around him.
Brown arrives with a performance baseline from Philadelphia: after four seasons with the Eagles (including a Super Bowl ring), the article notes he “never had a season below 1,000 yards mark,” suggesting New England expects him to be a high-volume red-zone and overall production driver right away.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel shut down talk of a Stefon Diggs reunion on June 10, saying the team is "around the number" it needs at wide receiver and that Diggs "is not currently being explored." The comments came one day after Vrabel praised the early chemistry between new wideout A.J. Brown and quarterback Drake Maye, who "found each other a couple of times in the red zone" during mandatory minicamp, according to Newsweek.
The Patriots traded a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to land Brown this offseason. That steep price makes Brown — not Diggs — the clear centerpiece of the team's offensive rebuild around third-year QB Drake Maye.
Vrabel Says Diggs Door Is Closed, Mostly
Vrabel was direct when asked about Diggs. "We are around the number we would need for the roster right now," he told reporters. "[Diggs] is not currently being explored." He did leave a small crack open, adding "never say never" — but the overall message was clear: New England has moved on, according to Marca.
Diggs, 32, has been a free agent since the Patriots released him in March, one year into a three-year, $63.5 million deal. He was cleared of off-field allegations in May after a not-guilty finding, but Sportskeeda notes that his age and a recent knee recovery have slowed his market. He hinted at joining the Washington Commanders via social media on May 28, suggesting he may not be waiting for New England to call.
Brown and Maye Are Still Learning Each Other
Vrabel was upbeat but measured about the Brown-Maye connection. "The connection is critical. Practice and the reps are critical," he said. "We're learning what A.J. likes and adding new things to Drake's plate." The red-zone link-ups in minicamp are a good sign, but Vrabel made clear it is still a work in progress, according to Essentially Sports.
Brown gives Maye something he has not had before: a proven No. 1 receiver. Brown never had a season below 1,000 yards in four years with the Eagles, including a Super Bowl ring. Pro Football Focus notes that his ability to win contested catches in the red zone fits Maye's high-velocity throwing style.
Patriots Reshaped the Receiver Room This Offseason
Brown is not the only new face. The Patriots also added Romeo Doubs as a reliable second option. The room now features Brown, Doubs, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor. That depth is part of why Vrabel sees no urgent need to add Diggs, according to Newsweek.
Diggs did lead New England in receiving last season — 85 catches for 1,013 yards — but the Patriots ate significant dead cap to release him from the $63.5 million contract. The move was tied to both his cap hit and off-field distractions. Marca reports that the team views the Brown trade as a cultural reset, not just a talent swap.
What This Means for Maye's Development in 2026
The trade price for Brown signals a serious intent. Sending a 2028 first-round pick for a receiver tells you the Patriots think their window opens now — or very soon. That bet only works if Maye and Brown build real chemistry fast, which is why Vrabel keeps stressing practice reps, according to Sportskeeda.
If Diggs does land with Washington, the two teams could meet in 2026, turning any regular-season matchup into a storyline. For now, though, Vrabel's focus is singular: get Brown and Maye on the same page before the season starts. Diggs, for all his 1,013 yards last year, is yesterday's news in Foxborough.
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