Patriots' Post-Diggs Roster Puzzle: Tight End Shift Over Receiver Splurge
The NFL's offseason maneuvers often present a complex puzzle, where a superficial look at depth charts rarely reveals the full scope of a team's strategic needs. Consider the AFC-champion New England Patriots, who recently made a bold move by releasing their top wide receiver, Stefon Diggs. This decision freed up $6 million in salary-cap space but left head coach Mike Vrabel's squad without a premier target for quarterback Drake Maye.
Diggs, aged 32, demonstrated remarkable resilience last season, bouncing back from a torn ACL suffered with the Houston Texans in 2024 to post 85 receptions for 1,013 yards with New England. Despite facing criticism for off-field issues, including a battery lawsuit, his on-field production leaves a significant void that won't be easily filled.
Steve Smith's Tight End Vision for New England
Instead of allocating their cap resources to chase high-profile free-agent receivers like Tyreek Hill or Mike Evans, retired Carolina Panthers star and Hall-of-Fame candidate Steve Smith, now an analyst for NFL Network, proposes an alternative focus. In an interview with ESPN, Smith highlighted the tight end position as a critical, overlooked area for the Patriots.
'I think the thing people aren't paying attention to with New England is the tight end position,' Smith stated, suggesting this could surprise many given veteran tight end Hunter Henry's solid performance last season under coordinator Josh McDaniels, with 60 catches, 768 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Smith pointed to McDaniels' earlier tenure in New England, where the offensive coordinator effectively utilized a dual-tight end system featuring Rob Gronkowski and the late Aaron Hernandez, both elite players at their position. 'They may do some things that may shock some people,' Smith continued. 'It's the history of the coordinator. Think about what Josh has always had in his offense.'
Cap Space and Potential Targets
With star cornerback Christian Gonzalez's impending contract extension, which is projected to make him one of the NFL's highest-paid at his position, the Patriots face financial constraints that limit extravagant spending. However, they still possess nearly $60 million in cap space, enabling strategic additions, including at tight end and other areas.
ESPN's Patriots insider Mike Reiss identified Baltimore Ravens' Isaiah Likely and Tennessee Titans' Chig Okonkwo as two tight ends to monitor as free agency approaches. Likely, 25, recorded 27 catches for 307 yards and a touchdown last season, while Okonkwo, 26, was more productive with 56 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns in the 2025 campaign.
The draft also offers viable options. Although Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is likely to be selected before New England's first-round pick, other prospects include Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers and Ohio State's highly productive Max Klare.
Wide Receiver Development Over Trades
Regarding speculation about the Patriots acquiring Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown via trade, Smith expressed skepticism. He emphasized that such a move would require surrendering a high draft pick and argued for fostering growth within the existing receiver group.
'It's a really good young [receiver] core,' Smith told ESPN. 'The only way your young core really starts to develop is baptism by fire. Now I think they're trying to figure out who can take the place of Diggs with the underneath stuff, which he excelled at.'
Smith noted McDaniels' historical preference for receivers who excel in short-area routes, citing examples like Danny Amendola and Wes Welker, with Diggs fitting that mold. The Patriots' young receivers include fourth-year standout Kayshon Boutte, 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, and locker-room favorite Mack Hollins.
Broader Offseason Priorities
New England holds the 31st pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, with widespread belief that the team is focused on bolstering depth at defensive end or finding a new right tackle to eventually replace the aging Morgan Moses, who is slated to return in 2026. This underscores a multifaceted approach to roster building, where tight end enhancements could complement rather than replace other critical needs.
In summary, the Patriots' post-Diggs strategy, as envisioned by Steve Smith, leans towards reinforcing the tight end position through free agency and the draft, while nurturing their young receiver corps and addressing defensive and offensive line gaps, all within the confines of their salary-cap flexibility.
