Patriots New Signing Named Top ‘Bounce-Back’ Candidate For 2025

The New England Patriots reduced their wide receiver group by cutting veteran Kendrick Bourne and 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Baker on Thursday, leaving them with six players in the receiving corps. This has raised concerns about the lack of receiving options for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, especially as the team includes un-drafted rookie Efton Chism, who stood out in training camp.

Despite these concerns, some analysts, including CBS's Joel Corry, are less worried and believe that current WR1 Stefon Diggs could have a bounce-back year. Corry noted that before tearing his ACL in October 2024, Diggs was on track for a 1,000-yard season, having caught 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games with the Houston Texans.

Diggs signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Patriots in March, which can reach up to $69 million with incentives, including $26 million in guarantees. The contract includes per-game roster bonuses, where Diggs earns $200,000 for each game he is active, and incentives for 2025 that require at least 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards to earn $4.5 million. If he fails to meet these incentives, he may not remain with the team beyond this season, as his 2026 salary has limited guarantees.

The incentive structure is designed to motivate Diggs and protect the Patriots from any lingering effects of his knee injury. His rehab has progressed well, and head coach Mike Vrabel has confirmed that Diggs will be ready for the regular season opener. While no one expects him to return to being a top-five or top-ten wide receiver at age 31, he is viewed as a potential lower-end #1 or higher-end #2 option in the league.

The team hopes Diggs can perform at least at 75% of his peak level from his time with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. If he leads the receiving corps and surpasses 1,000 yards, the coaching staff and executives would likely be satisfied with their acquisition.