When the Houston Texans traded away a future second-round pick for four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the plan was for him to be a one-year rental.
Even after losing wide receiver Tank Dell for most of next season, Diggs' status with the Texans wasn't changing.
According to reports, the two-time All-Pro pass-catcher and the New England Patriots reached an agreement Tuesday on a three-year, $69 million deal that includes $26 million guaranteed. Diggs is expected to make $23 million annually as the Patriots' new No. 1 receiver for young quarterback Drake Maye.
Despite suffering a torn ACL in Week 8's win over the Indianapolis Colts, the 31-year-old is on track to return for Week 1 of the upcoming season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Even if he were to miss the first few weeks, the plan is for him to remain a steadfast part of the offense under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
BREAKING: Patriots to sign WR Stefon Diggs to a 3-year, $69M deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/gbjmxkv1Mf
— NFL (@NFL) March 25, 2025
The Patriots made an aggressive push to sign receiver Chris Godwin in free agency, but the Pro Bowler returned to Tampa Bay on a new three-year contract. With the Texans trading for Christian Kirk, they were set on letting him walk in free agency.
In eight games, Diggs impressed as Houston's No. 2 receiver, totaling 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He seemed to leave on good terms despite being on a one-year deal.
“We loved having Stef on our team, we’ll see how things work out with him,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said at the NFL scouting combine. “Stef, you talk about energy, you talk about leadership, he brought a lot to our team."
The Texans will surely miss Stefon Diggs’ leadership — something he’ll now bring to a young Patriots team.
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) March 25, 2025
His time in Houston was brief, but his impact will be lasting.
Thank you, Stef. 🙏pic.twitter.com/MOoEoqtuZR
The Texans have seven picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, so expect one selection to be a target coming to compete for first-team reps in Nick Caley's new offensive personnel.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans lose All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs to AFC East team on long-term deal
