What Happened to Stefon Marsean Diggs?
Stefon Diggs is an American professional football wide receiver known for his dynamic playmaking and multiple Pro Bowl selections. After successful stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, including leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards in 2020, he was traded to the Houston Texans in 2024 and then signed with the New England Patriots in 2025. Diggs was released by the Patriots in March 2026 and is currently a free agent, with his assault trial beginning on May 4, 2026.
Quick Answer
As of May 4, 2026, Stefon Diggs is a free agent after being released by the New England Patriots on March 11, 2026. His release followed a productive 2025 season with the Patriots where he led the team in receiving and reached Super Bowl LX. Currently, Diggs is facing legal challenges, with his assault trial commencing today, May 4, 2026, on charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
šKey Facts
š Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Minnesota Vikings
Stefon Diggs was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Minneapolis Miracle
Diggs caught the game-winning 61-yard touchdown pass in the NFC Divisional Round against the New Orleans Saints, a play famously dubbed the 'Minneapolis Miracle.'
Signed 5-year extension with Vikings
Diggs signed a five-year, $72 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, keeping him with the team through the 2023 season.
Traded to Buffalo Bills
The Minnesota Vikings traded Diggs and a 2020 seventh-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for multiple draft picks, including a 2020 first-round pick.
NFL Receptions and Receiving Yards Leader, First-team All-Pro
In his first season with the Bills, Diggs led the NFL with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards, earning First-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
Signed 4-year extension with Bills
Diggs signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, extending his contract through the 2027 season.
Traded to Houston Texans
Diggs was traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans, along with draft picks, in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. His contract was restructured to a one-year, $22.52 million deal.
Season-ending knee injury with Texans
During his brief stint with the Houston Texans, Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury, which cut short his 2024 campaign.
Signed with New England Patriots
Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million to $69 million contract with the New England Patriots, with a guaranteed sum of $22.6 million to $26 million.
Led Patriots in receiving, Super Bowl LX appearance
In his only season with the Patriots, Diggs led the team with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, and reached Super Bowl LX, where the Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
Alleged assault incident
An alleged incident occurred involving Diggs and his private chef, leading to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges.
Released by New England Patriots
The New England Patriots officially released Stefon Diggs, making him a free agent.
Assault trial begins
Jury selection began for Stefon Diggs' assault trial in Dedham, Massachusetts, where he faces charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
šDeep Dive Analysis
Stefon Diggs' journey in the NFL has been marked by exceptional talent, significant trades, and recent legal troubles. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Diggs quickly established himself as a prominent receiver, notably making the iconic "Minneapolis Miracle" catch in the 2017-18 playoffs. He signed a five-year, $72 million extension with the Vikings in 2018, solidifying his role as a key offensive weapon.
In a pivotal career move, Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills in March 2020. This trade proved highly successful for both Diggs and the Bills, as he quickly formed a potent connection with quarterback Josh Allen. In his first season with Buffalo, Diggs led the entire NFL in both receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535), earning First-team All-Pro honors and his first of four consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2020-2023). His dominant performance was instrumental in the Bills' resurgence as an AFC powerhouse, leading to a four-year, $96 million contract extension in April 2022.
The 2024 offseason brought another significant change when Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans in April. His tenure in Houston was brief and impacted by injury, as he suffered a season-ending knee injury that derailed his single season with the team. Despite this setback, Diggs found a new home in March 2025, signing a three-year, $69 million contract with the New England Patriots. He experienced a successful comeback season with the Patriots in 2025, leading the team with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, becoming the first Patriots receiver since 2019 to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. Diggs also made his first Super Bowl appearance with the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, though they ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
However, Diggs' time with the Patriots concluded abruptly. On March 11, 2026, he was officially released by the team, a move that had been anticipated due to contract structure and reported off-field issues. As of May 4, 2026, Stefon Diggs is a free agent and is currently facing serious legal allegations. His trial for felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery, stemming from an alleged December 2025 incident with his private chef, began today in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is ongoing. Despite the legal challenges, analysts speculate on potential landing spots for the veteran receiver, with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders being mentioned as possibilities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Stefon Marsean Diggs made different choices?