The NFL salaries have exploded over the last decade. Kirk Cousins signed a huge contract worth $28 million annually in 2018, and nowadays, even non-QBs can make $40 million a year.
Stefon Diggs Gets a Jaw-Dropping Payday
Dec 23, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) before the game against Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Stefon Diggs didn’t quite land that type of deal, but he came close to Cousins’ 2018 money. He had been a free agent for slightly over two weeks until the New England Patriots hired Minnesota’s fifth-round pick from 2015 a week after hosting him for a visit.
His salary? Quite ridiculous, at least on paper.
Adam Schefter reported, “ESPN Sources: Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs reached agreement on a three-year, $69 million deal including $26 million guaranteed with the New England Patriots.”
The contract structure hasn’t been announced yet, but Diggs is 31 years old and is coming off a shortened season because he tore his ACL halfway through last season. Paying an aging and injured player $23 million per season is a bold move.
Nov 17, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) carries the ball for a touchdown after a catch against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports
Schefter added good news about the injury, “New Patriots WR Stefon Diggs, who’s coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 vs. the Colts, is on track to return for Week 1 of the upcoming season.”
Just for comparison, Nico Collins, Terry McLaurin, Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans all make between $20 million and $25 million per season and they have been way more impressive in their last couple of seasons.
It should be noted, though, that Schefter mentioned the $26 million guaranteed money, so the Patriots could likely end the employment next offseason without any unreasonable salary cap penalties. The initially reported numbers aren’t always what the players are ultimately getting, but it remains to be seen when the numbers are disclosed.
Oct 27, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates with wide receiver K.J. Osborn (2) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Patriots also desperately needed a new receiver for sophomore Drake Maye, who the Vikings liked last year, too. His top wideouts were Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne.
They missed out on available guys like Davante Adams or DK Metcalf and needed at least some semblance of help to retain some flexibility in the draft. New England now isn’t forced to pick the best wideout on the board with a top ten draft choice.
Diggs was once a beloved player in Minnesota, teaming up with Adam Thielen to become one of the elite WR duos in the league. He produced 4,623 yards and 30 touchdowns in five seasons in the Twin Cities and, of course, delivered perhaps THE iconic moment in franchise history, the Minneapolis Miracle.
Jan 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (right) celebrates with quarterback Case Keenum (left) after the game-winning touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff football game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings then shipped him to the Bills for draft picks that eventually turned into Justin Jefferson and Cam Bynum. While he was good for the Vikes, his numbers took off in Buffalo. He tabulated 5,372 yards and 37 scores in four seasons with Josh Allen, going to the Pro Bowl after all four years. Diggs also led the league in receiving in 202
Last offseason, the veteran receiver was traded to the Texans, where he achieved 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.
In New England, Diggs reunites with various former Vikings. They recently acquired Josh Dobbs and Garrett Bradbury.