Even diehard fans will admit that the Patriots are struggling. Last year marked a second consecutive four-win season and for the third time running, they missed the playoffs. But, with the signing of Mike Vrabel as HC and now handing Stefon Diggs a three-year, $63.5 million contract, the Patriots have shown that they are serious about turning things around at Foxborough.
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Of course, there are still many gaps to plug in the Patriots line-up. Their defense needs a rework, they need to build up their secondary. Above all, they need to urgently add more support for Drake Maye.
This is where Diggs comes in. Not only will he be a valuable asset to the promising young QB, but he’ll also add a veteran presence in the locker room. The question is, for how long?
Cam Newton has suggested that the contract handed to Diggs is “a prove-it type of deal,” since only $16.6 million is fully guaranteed. It can also be considered a one-year deal, as Diggs will have to pull his weight to earn all the incentives and potentially secure a favorable restructure in his contract next season.
So why the relatively modest deal for an All-Pro receiver? Especially in a market where Ja’Marr Chase recently landed a $40.25 million per year extension? Newton thinks Diggs’ lower number — less than half of Chase’s — might have something to do with the fact that the 31-year-old is coming off an injury. An ACL tear, at that.
“He knows that the standard of his expectation is going to be (high). Is he past that window of greatness coming off of injury?” Newton asked.
The fact that Newton, a former MVP, never had an injury-free season after 2015, speaks volumes about how well he understands that injuries can sap the mojo from even the league’s top players.
Why Stefon Diggs needs a supporting cast
That’s why he claimed that Diggs is no longer in his prime and is now at a point in his career where he may not be able to carry the full weight of a receiving corps. Instead, he’ll need to lean on a strong supporting cast.
“Transparently speaking, I don’t think Stefon Diggs is a number one at this time of his career. I think even Stefon needs help. I think he needs another person to complement his type of skill set. I have a lot of respect for Stefon Diggs. I’ve trained with him, I’ve seen him work, I’ve seen his work ethic, but that was five years ago.”
However, the Panthers legend admitted that Diggs was still a 1,000-yard receiver, but insisted he needed to be paired with another solid weapon, so it’s “not going to be the bare share of expectations for Stefon.”
To put things into perspective, Cam was suggesting a receiving room similar to the Bengals’, where Ja’Marr Chase isn’t the only one expected to produce. Tee Higgins is also there to help distribute the pressure and support a more effective passing game.
Newton, nonetheless, believes that having Stefon on board will be a great help to Drake Maye. “Having a Stefon Diggs gives you comfort as a quarterback… but you need other receivers outside of Stefon Diggs.”
The Patriots, however, have a big decision to make in this draft. With the fourth overall pick in hand, they could roll the dice on a prospect like Travis Hunter. But whether he’ll still be available by then is another question.
