Patriots Offensive Superstar Stefon Diggs Confirms Departure After Pay-Cut Request Rejected — Reason Behind Fans’ Anger Over “Betrayal” Revealed

Posted Mar 5, 2026

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — A short yet emotional chapter between the New England Patriots and offensive star Stefon Diggs is coming to an end. After just one season in New England, Diggs has confirmed that he will leave the team when the new NFL league year begins, closing a relationship that once carried high expectations for both sides.

Stefon Diggs thanks Patriots amid reports of his imminent release

According to multiple sources within the league, the Patriots have informed Diggs that his contract will be terminated next week. The decision stems from salary-cap pressure after the team recently returned to the Super Bowl. The front office was forced to make difficult choices in order to maintain financial flexibility ahead of free agency.

Before reaching the final decision, the Patriots proposed that Diggs restructure his contract in order to reduce the salary-cap burden. Had he accepted, he could have remained the centerpiece of New England’s offense. But the 32-year-old star declined the offer, forcing the team to clear approximately $16.8 million in cap space by releasing him.

During the 2025 season, Diggs still proved his value. He became the most reliable receiving target for young quarterback Drake Maye, recording 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns. Those contributions helped the Patriots return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019.

What makes the situation more controversial is the context before Diggs arrived in New England. Prior to joining the Patriots, he had already been released by three different teams within four years, leading many around the league to question his long-term future in the NFL. Despite that reputation, the Patriots still gave him a new opportunity with a three-year contract worth roughly $69 million.

Because of that history, the reaction from the Patriots fan base has been intense. A portion of supporters believe Diggs turned his back on the very team that helped revive his career. On social media, many fans criticized his decision as a lack of loyalty to the organization that placed its trust in him.

Nevertheless, the situation also reflects the harsh business reality of the NFL. Diggs now enters free agency and is expected to attract interest from several teams looking for a veteran No. 1 wide receiver. Meanwhile, the Patriots must search for a new offensive weapon for the 2026 season after losing the leader of their receiving corps.

 
 
 

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Stefon Diggs Officially Splits From Cardi B After Super Bowl — Patriots Star Now Facing Legal Trouble That Could Impact His NFL Career
FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Just weeks after the bright lights of the Super Bowl, the life of Stefon Diggs has taken a dramatic turn. The New England Patriots wide receiver has reportedly officially split from Cardi B, all while dealing with serious legal issues that could directly impact his future in the NFL. According to a source cited by US Weekly, the relationship between Diggs and Cardi B was “always so up and down,” and this was not the first time the couple had broken up. The source alleged that Diggs had “betrayed her multiple times,” which ultimately eroded the trust between them. Friends close to Cardi reportedly felt he “wasn’t right for her” and believed she “deserved better.” At this point, Cardi is said to be single and “feeling free.” Another source speaking to PEOPLE described the relationship as having become “too heated and complicated.” Cardi, described as no-nonsense and decisive, reportedly stepped away once she felt she could no longer trust him. The focus now, according to the source, is on her children, her music, and her tour. Despite the breakup, the two continue to co-parent, and “the door is not completely closed,” leaving open the possibility of a future reconciliation. Cardi appeared to address the situation during a recent stop in Los Angeles on her tour. After another rapper criticized Diggs on social media, she responded on stage:“Just because I’m not with my baby daddy doesn’t mean you get to talk about my baby daddy.” On opening night of the tour, she also became emotional and told the crowd:“Don’t let nobody take your happiness away from you.”Many fans interpreted those remarks as being directly connected to the breakup. Meanwhile, Diggs is facing a separate and potentially more serious matter. He recently appeared in a Massachusetts court after being charged with a felony offense. He has pleaded not guilty and remains free pending further proceedings, but the case is ongoing. Under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, even unresolved criminal charges can result in league discipline, including suspension. For the Patriots, the timing is far from ideal. Diggs was expected to be a key piece of the offense heading into next season. Any league action or legal setback could significantly affect the team’s plans and stability. From Super Bowl spotlight to personal and legal turbulence, Stefon Diggs is navigating one of the most challenging stretches of his professional career. How the legal process unfolds — and how he responds both on and off the field — will likely shape the next chapter of his NFL future.

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