Scott Zolak thinks Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs is ‘on the table’ for reasons on top of boat video
"It's not just the boat. There are some other things I've heard that raise questions. Are you all-in here?"
Stefon Diggs found himself in a bit of controversy this past week when a video of him distributing an unknown pink substance on a boat emerged during Memorial Day weekend. The video has caused some to question whether the wide receiver will actually ever suit up for the Patriots, wondering if the team might release him.
Patriots radio color commentator Scott Zolak joined that group on Friday, believing that there are other reasons in addition to the video that could cause New England to cut ties with Diggs.
“I came to this show yesterday with the opinion — not opinion, but the knowledge that it is on the table,” Zolak said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” on the Patriots potentially releasing Diggs. “That it is being thought of. And it’s not just the boat. It’s not just the boat. There are some other things that I’ve heard that put some things in question. Are you all-in here?
“The videos look great of him working out. I’ve touted the videos. I know you need diva receivers. I say he shouldn’t be cut, because I think he would help Drake Maye and this offense and Josh McDaniels, because you would have a true viable guy that would set coverage. Right now, you still don’t have a guy who sets coverage. I’m sorry.”
Diggs hasn’t been disciplined for the video as of Sunday, with the NFL saying it won’t comment on the matter. However, he wasn’t in attendance for Patriots practice on Wednesday as they continued their voluntary offseason workout program.
Prior to practice that day, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the team was “aware” of the video involving Diggs.
“Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re hoping that with our time here on the field today, that when we don’t have a script and we’re on the call periods, that we’re making great decisions. The message will be the same for all our players, that we’re trying to make great decisions. Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him, I, and the club.”
The Patriots also held practice on Friday, but it’s unknown if Diggs was in attendance that day as practice was closed to the media.
Diggs had been in attendance for the Patriots’ offseason program earlier in May. As Diggs missed Wednesday’s practice, Vrabel said the Patriots have had constant communication with the wide receiver.
“This is a voluntary part of our offseason program,” Vrabel said. “Every player that’s not here, which there aren’t many, have been in communication with me and their position coaches.”
The Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year, $69 million deal that included $26 million in guaranteed money in hopes of providing Maye with the necessary veteran help he needs at wide receiver. Diggs has arguably been one of the best players at his position since the turn of the decade, being named a Pro Bowler in four straight seasons (2020-23) with the Bills before getting traded to the Texans in 2024.
Diggs was still productive with the Texans last season, recording 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns before tearing his ACL. While it’s been reported that Diggs is on track to be ready for the start of the regular season, he’s 31 and coming off a major injury. On top of that, Diggs has brought in an off-field distraction as Vrabel looks to set a strong culture in his first season back in Foxborough.
If the Patriots opt to release Diggs, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer noted that it would likely have to happen soon so the team would be able to recoup the $12 million signing bonus they gave him.
“If you’re going to say you’re firing me for cause, but you waited three weeks to do it, you’re not going to win that case,” Breer said on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher and Hardy.” “So, if you’re going to go after the $12 million signing bonus that he got, then they have to cut him right away, which I think is part of why if you ask him to stay out of practice, that’s why you would do it.
“You would do it because we’re considering all of our options and we don’t want to put you on a practice field until we’ve made a final decision of what we’re going to do.”
The Patriots currently have 12 wide receivers on their roster, including Diggs. They also made a pair of other notable additions at the position this offseason, signing veteran Mack Hollins before selecting Kyle Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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