The New England Patriots made yet another splash, signing Stefon Diggs for a three-year, $69 million deal. As per ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter, the deal also sets up $26 million in guaranteed pay for the Pro Bowler. The 31-year-old Stefon Diggs suffered a torn ACL, which saw him spending most of the season away from the field.
Playing for the Houston Texans after splitting from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs met his brutal ending against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. Nevertheless, he was able to make a mark in the few games he tied up his cleats and boots to play. In the short span, he registered 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns for the Texans. However, the latest updates have given a positive report. The 31-year-old is all set to be on track to appear in the first game of the 2025 season.
The New England Patriots have proven themselves to be the hungriest team in the league right now. They have made several moves that have shown that they are planning brutally to reclaim the old glory days. Robert Kraft has brought in a former protege of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady’s teammate, Mike Vrabel, to lead the team.
On the first day of free agency, as soon as the legal tampering period for the same was open, the Patriots were all business. In just 24 hours, they signed six new contracts worth $269.5 million, including players like Milton Williams and Robert Spillane, among others.
After a disappointing last season, the New England Patriots also hold a fourth-overall pick in the upcoming draft selection. At the first-ever Annual Player Selection meeting in Green Bay, the New England Patriots are expected to pick a generational talent.
They won’t be going after Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, considering they have an up-and-coming groomable quarterback in Drake Maye. The solid leads at the moment are Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. After signing Diggs last day, the Patriots’ best bet is Hunter at the moment. Here are three reasons why.
Travis Hunter and Stefon Diggs together can boost a struggling offense
The Patriots’ passing attack has been among the league’s worst in recent seasons. The Patriots’ receiving corps ranked 28th in the NFL last season with 161 catches and 10 touchdowns while finishing last in total receiving yards (1,723) and first downs (78, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers).
The Patriots lacked a true top wideout and an explosive playmaker. Until Diggs signed a day back, Mack Hollins was their other option. Although Hollins can be a stellar addition, he wasn’t exactly the answer they would’ve sought. Now, Travis Hunter can upgrade the offense with his football IQ.
Adding Travis Hunter—a dynamic two-way star with elite route-running and playmaking ability—alongside Stefon Diggs would give New England a legitimate receiving duo. Under Josh McDaniels, Diggs and Hunter can collaborate to create separation, make contested catches, and open up the field for the offense.
Travis Hunter’s two-way abilities can be better suited and used
Travis Hunter is unique in that he excels as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. While his long-term position in the NFL remains a topic of debate, his versatility offers the Patriots an incredible advantage. Furthermore, Vrabel and company can come up with ways how Stefon Diggs could play the offensive side while Hunter takes on the defensive angle from time to time.
Although they have made some moves to work out better strategies to build their weak defense in the beginning days, Hunter is an exceptional backup. In his Heisman-winning season, he added 36 tackles, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups as a cornerback. He also won the Bednarik award for the best defensive player. Whether the Patriots use him primarily as a receiver, a defensive back, or both, his presence on the field immediately improves the roster.
The trade future-proofs the roster
Stefon Diggs is an amazing player who still has what it takes to lead the receiving corps in New England. Before his 2024 season was cut short due to injury, Stefon Diggs had recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Meanwhile, the Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019.
At 30 years old, Stefon Diggs is still one of the best receivers in the league, but he won’t be in his prime forever. By drafting Hunter, the Patriots secure a young, high-upside player who could eventually take over as the team’s No. 1 option.
Even if Hunter initially plays a hybrid role, he provides long-term stability at a key position. Investing in young talent now ensures that the Patriots aren’t scrambling for a top-tier receiver when Diggs eventually declines or moves on.
However, bringing Travis Hunter could be a huge challenge. The New York Giants added Russell Wilson to their squad earlier and now have three quarterbacks in the fray. Many analysts have claimed that this could derail the Patriots’ plans to draft Travis Hunter. At the moment, all they can hope is that the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans skip on Hunter and the Giants choose not to future-proof with Hunter.
