Stefon Diggs: Contract

[Hugepatsfan]

According to Jason at Over the Cap, you do not get any of the Cap savings until June 2nd. I went and emailed him to confirm.

Interesting, thanks for the correction.

That does change the math. Cutting Diggs with the June 1st designation and not being able to access that $20.8M is probably too inconvenient for them. I guess I could maybe see it working if they wanted to have like $15M leftover after signing their draft picks. Figure that take about $4-5M so you could be right up against the cap and then on June 1st your "pocket change" and space to sign rookies free up in one swoop.

More likely though, the decision to cut Diggs will just be a pre-June 1st decision though, so $16.8M is the cap space they'd have to reallocate and decide if they can do better than Diggs with it.

 

[TheRainMaker]

I think diggs is a tale of two halves just like the entire offense

- 1000 yards in regular season

- 110 yards total in 4 post season games.

Did the line completely make diggs ineffective or was diggs ineffective in double coverage .

Tough call to hand 26 million contract to wide receiver with such disparity. I hope we can have performance escalators for diggs to meet 26 million this year.

I doubt anyone will pay him more than 8 million gtd with performance and game time bonus linked to remaining 8-10 million.

His outside market would be closer to 18-20 at tops including all bonus and performance escalators.

Tale of two halves? More like a tale of two players. 20% of his yards came in two games against the Jets in blowouts. 385 yards came against the Bills, Ravens and Panthers. 58% of his yards came within those 5 games listed with 3 of those games in blowouts. In all other 12 games, he averaged 35 yards per game. He was awful in the playoffs. I keep seeing "he went over 1,000 yards", but he barely broke it in a 17 game season.

The O-line had nothing to do with him during the regular season. I also keep hearing "double coverage". Please. He can't shake man coverage no matter who is put on him. How. many times did we see him catch a pass and immediately tackled? And people point to the Super Bowl on that one play he got open off a busted coverage.

I'm not directing it at you, but there are many here that are defending him just because. The weak arguments I keep seeing are "he's a great teammate" and "he'll be better in year two from injury". No, he was slowing down prior to his injury.

Media is slowly catching on to what I've been saying pretty much the entire season.

The Diggs dilemma: Patriots face looming decision with WR's contract

What does the future hold for Stefon Diggs? The wide receiver's contract details could play a role in whether the Patriots keep or release him.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

 

[JoeSixPat]

I feel like this thread is a year early.
They can easily afford his salary next year, without hampering any free agency.
And there's as good a chance he has a better year, a year removed from the ACL, than he had this year, when he played half the snaps. And he still put up 80/1000.

What the **** do you people want? (Also, he's not making #1 WR money, he's making #2 WR money)

I completely agree with your sentiment.

I hear rumors of the team's interest in "premier" #1 WRs in free agency who will be targeted 150 times and get 85 catches to replace a guy who got 85 catches on @100 targets, with the other 50 targets going to other guys with 70% completion rates.

That's not an upgrade to me.

That being said, Diggs contract has him at the franchise tag level of $54 million over the next two seasons - with the potential for an "out" this season with just $9.7 mil in cap money, allowing them to put franchise tag level money on a WR who is under 30.

His existing 3 year contract really wasn't intended to fully run its course to pay him franchise tag money at age 35 - more just to allow it to be more cap friendly.

I would think they could extend him an extra year to stretch out guaranteed money in a renegotiated contract, with the last year again likely there not to lock in a 35 yr old WR but to make it more cap friendly with an extra year to stretch things out.

It's in Digg's interest to add guaranteed money in lieu of the non-guaranteed $27 million salary - and if he feels he can do better as a FA he'll refuse to lower his cap hit and see how high the offers go for a multi-year guaranteed contract for a 33 yr old WR with an injury history.

I hope both sides work this out because I'm sure they'd like to reduce his whopping cap hit, and I think it wise to make sure Maye has a WR with an 85% completion rate for the next 2 years.

 

[mgteich]

There is exactly zero reason to worry about having $20M of cap room not being available until June 1st. There are lots of needs for cap room after that date.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Interesting, thanks for the correction.

That does change the math. Cutting Diggs with the June 1st designation and not being able to access that $20.8M is probably too inconvenient for them. I guess I could maybe see it working if they wanted to have like $15M leftover after signing their draft picks. Figure that take about $4-5M so you could be right up against the cap and then on June 1st your "pocket change" and space to sign rookies free up in one swoop.

More likely though, the decision to cut Diggs will just be a pre-June 1st decision though, so $16.8M is the cap space they'd have to reallocate and decide if they can do better than Diggs with it.

They'd still have to pay him his $6 mil guarantee if they don't cut him by March 2 - and if they're considering cutting him I would think they'd do that before they have to pay him more

If they wait until after June 2, I think the dead cap amount is @ $5 million rather than the $10 million they'd pay before March 2

I think the lower dead money amount is primarily because they would have already paid him $6 mil - so whereas the cap hit is lower, that's all money for cap accounting, and I'd guess they'd prefer to keep $6 mil rather than give it to a guy they plan on cutting later.

I'm hoping they can work out something to keep him for a more reasonable cap amount than the franchise tag amount of $27 mil a season - none of that salary is guaranteed, so there's an incentive for him to renegotiate for reasonable guaranteed money

 

[mgteich]

I'm hoping they can work out something to keep him for a more reasonable cap amount than the franchise tag amount of $27 mil a season - none of that salary is guaranteed, so there's an incentive for him to renegotiate for reasonable guaranteed money

There is nothing to work out (except for message board posters).

Vrabel took an injury risk and signed Diggs for ONLY $21M a year. Diggs was healthy and performed better than expected. He will be paid $21M for this year and for next. If doesn't perform well in 2026, he could be cut after the season.

IF we need 2026 cap relief, we can restructure his contract, moving $18M of salary to a bonus and reduce the 2026 cap by $9M. This would take no agreement from Diggs. In 2027, we can restructure by adding a couple of void years with the cooperation of Diggs. He would have no reason to object.
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Much more likely is that Diggs is extended, now, or after the 2026 season.

 

[mgteich]

Diggs is under a 3-year, $63.5 million contract (up to $69M). The Patriots can move on with only $1.7 million to $8 million in dead cap, effectively making it a 1-year, $18.5M–$23M deal. His high 2026 cap hit of $26.5 million makes him a candidate to be released. Does anyone think he is worth $26.5 million? If released before June 1, 2026, the Patriots would save roughly $16.8M, with $9.7M in dead money.

Pay? Cut? Trade? Restructure?

Celebrate that we have a top WR for only $21M a year.

Diggs would have cost much more had he not been coming back for an ACL injury.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Celebrate that we have a top WR for only $21M a year.

Diggs would have cost much more had he not been coming back for an ACL injury.

16th in yards and 64th in TD's is not a top WR.

 

[JoeSixPat]

There is nothing to work out (except for message board posters).

Vrabel took an injury risk and signed Diggs for ONLY $21M a year. Diggs was healthy and performed better than expected. He will be paid $21M for this year and for next. If doesn't perform well in 2026, he could be cut after the season.

IF we need 2026 cap relief, we can restructure his contract, moving $18M of salary to a bonus and reduce the 2026 cap by $9M. This would take no agreement from Diggs. In 2027, we can restructure by adding a couple of void years with the cooperation of Diggs. He would have no reason to object.
======
Much more likely is that Diggs is extended, now, or after the 2026 season.

By "work out" I mean work out an extension that lessens the cap hit.

Despite everyone wanting an "elite #1 WR" who will command 150 targets and grab 85 catches, I'm more than satisfied with a guy who can grab 85 catches on 100 targets.

If anyone is worth the franchise tag amount, I'd say Diggs has earned it. That being said, $27 mil in a cap hits for the next 2 seasons is unnecessarily high and I'd think he'd trade guaranteed money for the nonguaranteed salary he'd probably not see in 2027 anyways

I don't doubt he can contribute into 2027 so adding a 2028 year option for salary cap purposes doesn't frighten me off. His skills don't quite seem age related to me - he's more smart/shifty/strong than he is fast, and such that his ACL holds up as it has, he might surprise everyone and still be productive heading into age 35.

Bottom line, if they don't extend him, I still want him back at $27 mil this season. That seems like a decent risk reward if there is concern about his long term health or legal issues.

 

[DaBruinz]

Does this really matter .

Can't we restructure say Milton williams and landry contract and restructure it back on June 2nd when the cap gets added back.

Yes. it matters when you get the Cap space.

No. You can't restructure a deal and then un-restructure it. The CBA states you can only restructure deals once a year.

 

[dliverey44]

Curious on opinions about Barmore, he has 10M due on the 13th of March. He is a 17.1M cap hit, but there are off field concerns and his on field play is inconsistent, he was benched for a QTR for discipline reasons (who knows what it was). Vrabel said one of the goals is to improve their sack total on both sides off the ball. Personally I would pursue a trade, if traded before June 1st we save 6.3M and take a 10.8M dead cap.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Curious on opinions about Barmore, he has 10M due on the 13th of March. He is a 17.1M cap hit, but there are off field concerns and his on field play is inconsistent, he was benched for a QTR for discipline reasons (who knows what it was). Vrabel said one of the goals is to improve their sack total on both sides off the ball. Personally I would pursue a trade, if traded before June 1st we save 6.3M and take a 10.8M dead cap.

I'm torn on it. There was a point earlier in the year where Vrabel was praising his play and saying how even though his sack total was low (0 at the time) he shouldn't be discouraged by that because he was still rushing great and drawing attention, it just wasn't translating to numbers.

If you were telling me cutting him created $16.3M of cap space, I'd probably be interested because I'm just not sure he's someone I trust to play with consistent effort and discipline and team focus. That money could get some impact talent to replace him, even if at a different position. But for $6.3M, feels like probably worth it to just keep him and hope he plays up to his ability. He's a real X-factor for them. Feels like a better gamble to take than what they can get with that space.

 

[TommyD4207]

If you were telling me cutting him created $16.3M of cap space, I'd probably be interested because I'm just not sure he's someone I trust to play with consistent effort and discipline and team focus. That money could get some impact talent to replace him, even if at a different position. But for $6.3M, feels like probably worth it to just keep him and hope he plays up to his ability. He's a real X-factor for them. Feels like a better gamble to take than what they can get with that space.

What is this based on, other than the voices in your head?
Because it's certainly not based on performance on the field.

 

[dliverey44]

I'm torn on it. There was a point earlier in the year where Vrabel was praising his play and saying how even though his sack total was low (0 at the time) he shouldn't be discouraged by that because he was still rushing great and drawing attention, it just wasn't translating to numbers.

If you were telling me cutting him created $16.3M of cap space, I'd probably be interested because I'm just not sure he's someone I trust to play with consistent effort and discipline and team focus. That money could get some impact talent to replace him, even if at a different position. But for $6.3M, feels like probably worth it to just keep him and hope he plays up to his ability. He's a real X-factor for them. Feels like a better gamble to take than what they can get with that space.

I am also torn, if we could work a trade for a lesser player and pick or package him with a pick for a higher end guy. I would also be perfectly happy if they kept him, but I always feel like something is going to happen with him (like fighting Membou in the parking lot after a football game)

 

[Hugepatsfan]

What is this based on, other than the voices in your head?
Because it's certainly not based on performance on the field.

Based on him getting benched last year. Based on his legal issues currently and that incident with the police officer a while back. And based on part of why he was being available in the 2nd round due to attitude concerns with him. He just doesn't seem like a trustworthy character and I feel eventually that usually catches up to someone. People are who they are. You sign guys with questionable attitude/makeup and eventually that shows itself. it already did to some extent with whatever caused Vrabel to bench him vs. CLE last year.

 

[TommyD4207]

Based on him getting benched last year. Based on his legal issues currently and that incident with the police officer a while back. And based on part of why he was being available in the 2nd round due to attitude concerns with him. He just doesn't seem like a trustworthy character and I feel eventually that usually catches up to someone. People are who they are. You sign guys with questionable attitude/makeup and eventually that shows itself. it already did to some extent with whatever caused Vrabel to bench him vs. CLE last year.

He was nothing but a model teammate on the field this season, and produced on top of that.
So let's throw him away for nothing.
Genius GMs on this board, I swear.

Also, you should get those voices in your head checked out. I'm pretty sure if Diggs was actually benched besides something other than injury-related, there would be a 300-page thread on it, still ongoing.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

He was nothing but a model teammate on the field this season, and produced on top of that.
So let's throw him away for nothing.
Genius GMs on this board, I swear.

Also, you should get those voices in your head checked out. I'm pretty sure if Diggs was actually benched besides something other than injury-related, there would be a 300-page thread on it, still ongoing.

This is a Diggs thread so I get the confusion but someone asked about Barmore so this was in reference to him, not Diggs.

 

[dliverey44]

This is a Diggs thread so I get the confusion but someone asked about Barmore so this was in reference to him, not Diggs.

My bad I mentioned Barmore. I thought I was in the UFA who walks thread

 

[Tunescribe]

This is a Diggs thread so I get the confusion but someone asked about Barmore so this was in reference to him, not Diggs.

They share the same probation officer so any confusion is understandable.

Regarding Diggs and his contract: if he's willing to take a haircut, bring him back but if not, adios and thanks for the memories. I just wish this team could draft and develop effective WRs vs. having to bring in veteran reclamation projects. In the same vein, thumbs down on A,J. Brown if he costs a No. 1 pick.

Also, the Bust Clock is ticking on Kyle Williams and he better be doing double-time this offseason.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Curious on opinions about Barmore, he has 10M due on the 13th of March. He is a 17.1M cap hit, but there are off field concerns and his on field play is inconsistent, he was benched for a QTR for discipline reasons (who knows what it was). Vrabel said one of the goals is to improve their sack total on both sides off the ball. Personally I would pursue a trade, if traded before June 1st we save 6.3M and take a 10.8M dead cap.

He was absolutely atrocious this season and it's obvious why. For anyone that disagrees, PFF isn't going to save you on this internet argument.

It wouldn't shock me if he's traded. He and Williams as a duo underperformed in the pass rush department. Barmore is not a run stuffing DL and was exposed once Williams and Spillane were out. He's not the same player he was in 2023 before the blood clots. He reminds me of when Eric Berry returned from his illness. He was never the same.