Stefon Diggs: Did He Get Traded to the Patriots? When Did It Happen?
Stefon Diggs remains one of the more talked-about receivers in the NFL, thanks to his playmaking ability, passionate style, and several high-profile team changes. One question has circulated among fans and media alike: Did Stefon Diggs ever get traded to the New England Patriots? And if not, what is the true timeline of his trades and signings?
In this article, we’ll break down Diggs’s trade history, clarify whether a trade to the Patriots ever occurred, and explain exactly what did happen—including his path from Buffalo to Houston, and eventually to New England as a free agent. We’ll also include contract details, analysis, and FAQs.
1. Early Career & First Trades: Vikings → Bills
Entry into the NFL
Stefon Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Over his time in Minnesota, he made a name for himself as a dynamic, dependable wide receiver.
Trade to Buffalo
On March 20, 2020, the Vikings traded Diggs (along with a 2020 seventh-round pick) to the Buffalo Bills. In return, Minnesota received a 2020 first-round pick, a 2020 fifth-round pick, a 2020 sixth-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick.
That trade turned out to be a huge moment for both franchises. For Buffalo, Diggs became a top target for Josh Allen and regularly produced 1,000+ yard seasons. For Minnesota, one of the picks they obtained was used to draft Justin Jefferson, who rapidly emerged as a superstar receiver.
During his time in Buffalo, Diggs made multiple Pro Bowls and became a central figure in the Bills’ offense.
2. Trade: Bills → Texans (April 2024)
The Trade Announcement
On April 3, 2024, the Buffalo Bills officially traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans.
The trade package:
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Texans receive: Stefon Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick
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Bills receive: A 2025 second-round pick (originally via Minnesota)
Reports also suggested that to facilitate the trade, the Texans restructured Diggs’s existing Buffalo contract (which had two years remaining) into a one-year deal worth about $22.52 million.
Performance & Injury in Houston
Diggs’s start with Houston was promising: in his debut, he recorded two receiving touchdowns. However, his 2024 campaign was cut short. In Week 8, he suffered a non-contact knee injury that was later diagnosed as a torn ACL, ending his season prematurely.
By season’s end, Diggs had gathered 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns.
3. Did the Patriots Trade for Diggs?
No — Stefon Diggs was not traded to the New England Patriots. Instead, he signed with the Patriots in the 2025 offseason as a free agent.
Patriots officials confirmed that Diggs was acquired via a free-agent signing, not a trade.
Thus, there was no trade between the Texans (or prior teams) and the Patriots involving Diggs. The move to New England was purely contractual. Stefon Diggs trade to Patriots.
4. Signing with the Patriots (March 2025)
Contract Details
On March 28, 2025, Stefon Diggs signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots. Initially, some outlets reported the deal as a $69 million contract with $26 million guaranteed.
Later, more precise reporting indicated a base value of $63.5 million, with $22.6 million guaranteed and performance incentives of up to $5.5 million. Some sources also mention $16.6 million fully guaranteed and $22.6 million in total guarantees.
It is common for different reporting outlets to have slight variations in guaranteed money, bonuses, and incentives.
Role in New England
The Patriots view Diggs as a veteran wideout who can provide stability and a go-to target, especially for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Early reports indicate Diggs is developing rapport with Maye and integrating into the Patriots’ offense under coordinator Josh McDaniels.
In one of his initial catches with New England, he made a notable toe-drag catch that drew attention.
5. Timeline Recap & Trade Clarification
To avoid confusion, here’s a clear timeline:
| Period / Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2020 | Vikings trade Diggs to Bills |
| April 3, 2024 | Bills trade Diggs to Texans |
| 2024 Season | Plays part of year for Texans; suffers torn ACL |
| March 28, 2025 | Diggs signs with Patriots (free agency, not trade) |
Thus, the answer to “Did Stefon Diggs get traded to the Patriots?” is no — he joined via free agency. The question “When did he get traded?” more appropriately refers to the Bills-to-Texans trade on April 3, 2024. Stefon Diggs trade to Patriots.
6. Analysis: Why the Misconception?
Why do some think Diggs was traded to New England? A few possible reasons:
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High-profile signing — The magnitude of the Diggs signing with the Patriots (multi-year, high value) may lead people to slip into calling it a “trade,” especially in casual conversation.
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Frequent team changes — Diggs’s multiple team transitions lend to confusion among fans about which moves were trades and which were signings.
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Media shorthand — Some reports or social media posts might casually say “Diggs joins Patriots” without clarifying the method (trade vs free agency), leading to misunderstanding.
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Trade history awareness — His trade from Buffalo to Houston was very public and covered widely, whereas the Patriots signing was less of a “move” and more of a contract negotiation.
But again, the official record confirms that there was no trade involving the Patriots and Diggs.
7. Impact & Expectations in New England
Veteran Presence & Leadership
Diggs brings experience, route-running savvy, and a proven track record into a Patriots roster that has struggled to consistently find elite receiver play. His leadership and rapport with a rookie quarterback could be valuable especially in tight games.
Health & Durability Concerns
Coming off a torn ACL, there is always concern about how a player recovers, especially at Diggs’s age. His availability and ability to return to form will be closely watched.
Offensive Fit & Usage
Under play-caller Josh McDaniels and with target distribution evolving, Diggs could be used both outside and in the slot, depending on matchups. Early reports suggest increasing his usage downfield and integrating him into diverse route trees. Stefon Diggs trade to Patriots.
Expectations
Given the Patriots’ historical challenges in the passing game, Diggs is expected to be a focal point. For New England to improve in the AFC East, Diggs’s performance will be a key factor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Did Stefon Diggs ever play for the Patriots?
No — as of now, he has not yet played a full regular-season game with the Patriots (though he has made catches). He joined the Patriots via free agency in March 2025.
Q2: When was Diggs traded from Buffalo?
He was traded on April 3, 2024, from the Buffalo Bills to the Houston Texans.
Q3: What did Buffalo receive in the Diggs trade?
Buffalo received a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Q4: How did Diggs join the Patriots — trade or signing?
Diggs joined the Patriots via free-agent signing on March 28, 2025. No trade was involved.
Q5: What is Diggs’s contract with New England?
His contract is reportedly a three-year deal. Reports vary: $69 million in total with $26 million guaranteed is one version. Others list $63.5 million base with $22.6 million guaranteed. Stefon Diggs trade to Patriots.
Q6: Will the Patriots eventually trade Diggs?
As with many aging receivers and players with injury history, there is always speculation. Some media have suggested cutting or trading options could come into play depending on performance, cap implications, or off-field matters.
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