The New England Patriots’ blockbuster offseason acquisition, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, is reportedly causing friction within the team, with head coach Mike Vrabel showing signs of frustration. According to NBC Sports Boston beat writer Phil Perry, Vrabel is growing weary of addressing Diggs’ ambiguous comments about his availability for the upcoming NFL season, particularly after the receiver’s recent remarks questioning his readiness for Week 1.
Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in March 2025, is coming off a significant injury—a torn ACL sustained in Week 8 of the 2024 season while with the Houston Texans. Despite passing a physical and receiving medical clearance at the start of training camp, approximately eight months post-injury, Diggs has been practicing on a limited basis. His cautious approach to recovery, coupled with his noncommittal stance on playing in the season opener, has raised eyebrows.
“I mean, I’m pushing the needle always,” Diggs said during a recent press interaction. “I’m always doing more than less, and we’ll see about Week 1. I don’t know how I feel about it. We’ll see. The coaches aren’t too excited. I’m not too excited. I’m just trying to take it day by day, so we’ll see. We just don’t know where it’s gonna go.” These comments caught Vrabel off guard, as he had previously confirmed Diggs’ medical clearance for practice. When pressed about Diggs’ statements, Vrabel responded tersely, asking a reporter, “Do you really think he was serious?”—a clear sign of his irritation.
Patriots reporter @PhilAPerry on Stefon Diggs.
Per: @NBCSBoston
“There are little signs that he’s just becoming a bit of a pain in the posterior.”
“It all sort of adds up to, there’s a lot going on with this guy for a guy who doesn’t look like a No. 1 receiver anymore,” š³ pic.twitter.com/QGeLZnm42j
— Savage (@SavageSports_) August 15, 2025
Phil Perry, in a report for NBC Sports Boston, highlighted the growing tension, noting, “There are little signs that he’s [Diggs] just becoming a bit of a pain in the posterior.” Perry’s analysis suggests that Diggs’ behavior and comments are creating unnecessary distractions for a Patriots team looking to rebound after a challenging offseason. “It all sort of adds up to, there’s a lot going on with this guy for a guy who doesn’t look like a No. 1 receiver anymore,” Perry added, a pointed critique of Diggs’ current standing following a 2024 season where he recorded just under 500 receiving yards with the Texans.
Diggs’ track record, however, speaks to his potential. Before his injury, the Pro Bowl receiver posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier wideouts. The Patriots’ significant investment in Diggs was intended to bolster their offense, but his slow recovery and cryptic remarks have sparked concerns about his commitment and ability to return to form.
As the Patriots prepare for the 2025 season, Vrabel’s patience appears to be wearing thin. The team will need Diggs to regain his elite form to justify the hefty contract and meet the expectations of a franchise eager to reclaim its place among the NFL’s contenders. For now, the “pain in the posterior” label underscores the behind-the-scenes challenges the Patriots face with their biggest offseason pickup.