Patriots Should Sign This Underrated Receiver If Stefon Diggs Leaves

The New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl, and Stefon Diggs future is seemingly unclear at this point.

Even though he is under contract for two more seasons, his cap hit and some of the off-the-field concerns have some experts thinking he may not be a lock to be back. Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi recently noted that he feels it’s unlikely Diggs is back. Where should the Patriots turn if Diggs is not back?

Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers is a free agent, and signs point to him being on a new team next season. He could be a great fit for the Patriots, but why would they move on from Diggs in the first place?

Diggs’ base salary was $2.9 million last season, and his cap hit was $8.7 million. For the next two seasons, his base salary will be $20.6 million, and his cap hit will be $26.5 million. While he was a 1,000-yard receiver, the Patriots will want even more production at that price, and Diggs is an aging receiver who failed to produce in the playoffs.

Doubs is a very talented receiver, but has been in an offense that does not have a true No. 1 option. The Packers have plenty of talented receivers and spread the ball to all of them. Doubs led the Packers in receiving yards last season, but his overall numbers have taken a hit thanks to the Packers’ offensive philosophy.

On the Patriots, Doubs could get the chance to be a true No. 1 option. He is only 25 years old and is projected to sign a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency. He is an underrated option and would be significantly cheaper than Diggs.

Doubs comes with no drama and may be overlooked in free agency thanks to George Pickens, Alec Pierce, Mike Evans, Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel also available. The Patriots could land him without much competition if they prioritize him.

Diggs has stated that he wants to be back, but the business side of football may get in the way of that. His off-the-field legal situation is another aspect that could come into play.