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Patriots Release Stefon Diggs for Financial Reasons, Debunking Celebrity Influence Rumors
The New England Patriots have decided to part ways with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs just months after their productive season together. Diggs confirmed the team’s intention to release him when the new NFL league year officially begins on March 11, bringing an abrupt end to his short but impactful tenure in Foxborough.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Patriots’ decision was driven purely by financial considerations. “Stefon Diggs had an additional $6 million set to become fully guaranteed next week, Friday. The Patriots didn’t want to drag him along and informed him today they’re moving on, giving him a jump start,” Pelissero explained on social media platform X.
The announcement triggered immediate speculation across NFL circles, with some online rumors suggesting an unlikely connection to rapper Cardi B, who previously dated Diggs. However, these claims remain completely unsubstantiated, with all credible reports pointing to the team’s salary cap management as the sole factor in their decision.
In response to his impending release, Diggs posted a heartfelt message on social media thanking the organization. “We family forever. Until we meet again,” he wrote, acknowledging the end of his time with the franchise despite his on-field success.
Diggs’ single season in New England was statistically impressive. The receiver tallied 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, marking his seventh career 1,000-yard season. His contributions helped propel the Patriots to the Super Bowl, where they ultimately fell to the Seattle Seahawks.
The timing of the announcement has fueled baseless speculation, particularly regarding Cardi B’s previous visibility at Patriots events during her relationship with Diggs. Last season, the rapper was frequently spotted at games, including one notable appearance alongside Patriots owner Robert Kraft during a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Social media videos captured Cardi celebrating a Patriots victory while Kraft stood nearby.
The Grammy-winning artist was also seen in Kraft’s luxury suite during another game earlier that season, drawing attention due to her relationship with Diggs. However, these appearances were simply public displays of support for her then-boyfriend and the team, with no evidence suggesting any influence over personnel decisions.
The Patriots’ roster move aligns with broader NFL trends of teams making difficult financial decisions as they prepare for the new league year. With the salary cap continuing to shape franchise strategies, even productive veterans like Diggs can find themselves casualties of the business side of football.
For the Patriots, releasing Diggs represents a significant shift in their receiving corps heading into next season. The team now faces the challenge of replacing his production, either through free agency, the upcoming NFL Draft, or by developing talent already on the roster.
Meanwhile, Diggs enters the open market as a proven commodity, likely to attract significant interest from teams seeking to bolster their passing attack. At 30 years old, the veteran receiver has demonstrated consistent production throughout his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and most recently, the Patriots.
As both parties move forward, the Patriots’ decision highlights the often-unsentimental nature of professional sports, where financial considerations frequently outweigh on-field performance in personnel decisions.
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8 Comments
Good to see the Patriots making a pragmatic decision here, focused on their salary cap rather than any celebrity influence. Curious to see how Diggs performs with his next team.
Agree, the Patriots are known for their disciplined approach to roster management. Releasing Diggs early seems like a prudent move on their part.
Interesting to see the Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs for financial reasons rather than due to any celebrity influence. Curious to see where he ends up next and how it impacts the team’s offense.
Agree, the salary cap factor makes sense as the driving force behind this move. It will be interesting to see if Diggs lands with another team and how he performs.
The Patriots are always looking to manage their cap space effectively. Releasing Diggs this early gives him a head start on finding a new team, which seems like a considerate move.
Well-timed decision by the Patriots to part ways with Diggs before his contract becomes fully guaranteed. Definitely a savvy financial move on their part.
Glad to see the facts debunking the Cardi B rumors. The Patriots’ decision to part ways with Diggs appears to be a straightforward salary cap move, which is typical of their business approach.
Rumors of Cardi B’s involvement in Diggs’ release seem far-fetched. The financial considerations make much more logical sense as the primary driver behind this decision.