Report: New England Patriots Were Finalists For Stefon Diggs Trade

The New England Patriots almost got Stefon Diggs in 2020. According to recent reports, the Patriots had a chance to get the star wide receiver in the offseason.

Last March, Diggs ended up playing with the Buffalo Bills. The team sent the Minnesota Vikings four draft picks. One of these players developed into a big star. Justin Jefferson has had an impressive game in the regular season. To get the Maryland player, Buffalo had to outbid their rivals. Ian Rapoport from NFL media reported on the trade. Here’s what he wrote in his Sunday morning column:

“Sources say that when the Minnesota Vikings were poised to deal star receiver Stefon Diggs on March 16 in a blockbuster trade that included a first-round pick, it was the Bills and New England Patriots as the two final suitors. In fact, before Minnesota received four picks — including a first-round pick — from Buffalo for the playmaker, they called New England to give them a chance to match or improve the offer. When Bill Belichick and the Patriots declined, Diggs was off to the Bills.”

Patriots to get Stefon Diggs

Diggs would have been a game-changer for the Patriots. He joined the Bills a week before quarterback Tom Brady decided to leave the Patriots and sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Maybe Brady would have stayed with the Patriots.

Pairing Diggs and Cam Newton would have made a big difference. The Patriots signed the 2015 NFL MVP in July. Newton had his struggles this past season, but he also lacked strong weapons.

Diggs played really well in his debut season with the Bills. He finished the season with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards, leading the NFL in both categories. Diggs’ Bills are playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.

One thing stands for sure. Belichick will be watching the game to follow Diggs’ movement. Did he miss a good chance in 2020? The Patriots head coach has no regrets now. He will make the right moves this offseason. New England has to address several issues in March.