Patriots news, July 2025: Stefon Diggs may land on the PUP list, a huge setback for rookie QB Drake Maye. How will New England's offense cope without him?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as the Foxboro faithful were getting used to the idea of a true number one receiver, a dose of harsh reality hit today. Reports emerged that the Patriots' blockbuster offseason acquisition, Stefon Diggs, may begin the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This potential move would sideline the star wideout until at least Week 5, casting a significant shadow over an offseason that had been filled with optimism and completely altering the early-season outlook for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
The Patriots' offense ranked 30th in points per game (17) and 31st in total yards in 2024, a hole Stefon Diggs was brought in to fix from day one.
The news, discussed heavily on today's 'Patriots Unfiltered' show, is a gut punch. After signing Diggs to a massive three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, the plan was to have him anchor the passing attack for Drake Maye. If he lands on the regular-season PUP list, he will be ineligible to practice or play for the first four games of the season. This puts immense pressure on the rest of the receiving corps and forces new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to rethink his initial game plans.
With Diggs potentially sidelined, the spotlight on rookie quarterback Drake Maye intensifies tenfold. The partnership between Maye and returning OC Josh McDaniels was already a central storyline, but now their creativity will be tested immediately. Instead of leaning on a proven All-Pro, Maye will have to elevate a group of receivers who were supposed to be complementary pieces. This development makes the positional battles at wide receiver the most critical storyline heading into training camp.
If there's a silver lining, it's the schedule. The Patriots are slated to face the NFL's third-easiest schedule based on last year's records. They open at home against the Raiders before navigating a manageable early slate. This softer landing could be crucial for a young offense finding its footing. The schedule also features three exciting primetime games: Sunday Night Football at Buffalo in Week 5 (which could now be Diggs' dramatic return), a Thursday night clash with the Jets in Week 11, and a Monday Night Football game against the Giants in Week 13.
The Diggs uncertainty helps contextualize the more modest projections for the team. While Las Vegas has the team's win total at 8.5, many analysts are predicting a 7-10 finish. The hiring of Mike Vrabel and the drafting of Maye were universally praised moves, but this situation is a stark reminder that New England is still in a rebuilding phase. Overcoming the early absence of a player of Diggs' caliber will be a massive challenge and could be the difference between exceeding expectations and another year of growing pains.
The narrative for the 2025 season has shifted before a single snap in training camp. The early part of the schedule is no longer about integrating a superstar receiver, but about surviving without him. All eyes will now be on the receiving corps in camp to see who can step up, and on Josh McDaniels to scheme up an offense that can support a rookie quarterback through a tough opening stretch. The Patriots' new era under Mike Vrabel is facing its first major test, and how they respond will tell us everything we need to know about the year ahead.
