New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs appeared in court today at Massachusetts’s Dedham District court, where he pleaded not guilty to strangulation and other criminal charges.
On December 30, 2025, media reports surfaced that Diggs was accused of strangulation and assault and battery stemming from a dispute with his personal chef over money. His court appearance was set to be on Jan. 23, but got it moved to after the Super Bowl.
As of now, the situation is still ongoing, and Diggs has not been charged by law enforcement nor has he been disciplined by the NFL.
Is Stefon Diggs Returning Back to the New England Patriots Next Season?
Prior to the 2025-2026 season, Stefon Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the New England Patriots. He became the team’s first wide receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season.
Still, there’s a chance that the team elects to move on from Diggs amid his off-field circumstances and distractions.
After the Super Bowl loss, Diggs was asked by reporters if he expects to be back in New England next season to which he responded, “Unless they opt out of the contract, I anticipate being here.”
Diggs has a big cap hit of $26.6 million for next season. If New England were to move on from, they would save close to $17 million in cap space.
As far as the on-field results go, it wouldn’t make too much sense for New England to move on from Diggs. If he continues with the off-field antics or receives punishment from law enforcement, then that will certainly increase New England’s chances of moving on from him.
Do you think the Patriots will retain Diggs for the upcoming season?
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