The New England Patriots are shaking things up with their star wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, at a critical juncture in his tenure with the team. After signing a three-year, $69 million contract ($26 million guaranteed) this offseason, expectations were sky-high for Diggs to anchor the Patriots’ passing game as their WR1. However, through the first three weeks of the 2025 season, Diggs’ production has been underwhelming, with just 13 catches for 112 yards on 15 targets. Despite his efficiency—catching 86.7% of passes thrown his way—the volume has not matched the hype. Now, the Patriots are making a bold move, shifting Diggs’ role to address their offensive struggles, particularly in the slot, in what could be a pivotal turning point for their season.
Diggs’ Declining Involvement and the Need for Change
Diggs’ early-season numbers tell a story of diminishing involvement. In Week 1, he had six catches on seven targets. That dropped to four catches on five targets in Week 2, and in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he managed just three catches on three targets. While his catch rate remains elite, the lack of targets and overall production is concerning for a player expected to be the centerpiece of the Patriots’ receiving corps. The team’s wide receivers, as a group, have accounted for only 35 of New England’s 77 receptions this season, with players like Mack Hollins, who has been used more as a tight end hybrid, contributing six catches.
The Patriots’ offense has struggled to find rhythm, and their receiver room has been a particular weak point. Pop Douglas, expected to be a key contributor in the slot, has managed just five catches on 13 targets for a paltry 13 yards across three games. His snap counts have plummeted, from 45 in Week 1 to 15 in Week 2 and 29 in Week 3. Meanwhile, the team has leaned more on 12-personnel packages, featuring tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, which has further reduced Douglas’ opportunities. It’s clear the Patriots need a spark, and they’re turning to Diggs to provide it—by moving him to a role he’s thrived in before.
A New Role: Diggs Moves to the Slot
While Diggs was initially brought in to dominate as an outside receiver, the Patriots are increasingly deploying him in the slot, a position where he has shown versatility in the past. Last season with the Houston Texans, Diggs played 196 snaps in the slot compared to 226 on the outside, proving his ability to excel in both roles. In Buffalo before that, he was primarily an outside receiver, logging 70% of his snaps there (716 outside vs. 343 in the slot in 2023; 661 outside vs. 296 in the slot in 2022). This season, however, the Patriots are flipping the script.
Diggs’ snap distribution in 2025 reflects this shift:
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Week 1: 29 snaps outside, 11 in the slot
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Week 2: 16 snaps outside, 15 in the slot
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Week 3: 17 snaps outside, 22 in the slot
By Week 3, Diggs was taking the majority of his snaps (22 of 39) in the slot, a significant departure from his Week 1 alignment. This change aligns with the Patriots’ efforts to address their struggles in the slot, where Douglas and the combination of quarterback Drake Maye and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have failed to find chemistry. Diggs’ veteran savvy and route-running prowess make him a natural fit to exploit the shorter, quick-hitting routes typical of slot receivers.
Why the Slot Could Be Diggs’ Turning Point
Diggs’ move to the slot isn’t just a reaction to his slow start—it’s a strategic adjustment that plays to his strengths. In Houston, Diggs was highly productive from the slot before an injury derailed his season, showcasing his ability to create separation and make plays in tight spaces. His quickness, precise route-running, and reliable hands make him a matchup nightmare for slot defenders, who are often smaller or less equipped to handle a receiver of his caliber.
The Patriots’ increased use of 12-personnel has crowded the field for traditional outside receivers, but it opens opportunities in the slot, where Diggs can exploit mismatches against linebackers or nickel corners. This shift could also help quarterback Drake Maye, who has struggled to connect with his receivers, particularly Douglas. By putting Diggs in the slot, the Patriots can get the ball into his hands quickly, allowing him to maximize his yards-after-catch ability and jumpstart an offense that ranks among the league’s worst in passing production.
Other Options: The Rise of Efton Chism?
ESPN’s Mike Reiss recently highlighted the Patriots’ options in the slot, pointing to Diggs’ experience and “veteran savvy” as a solution, while also mentioning undrafted rookie Efton Chism as a potential wildcard. Chism, a standout in training camp, has yet to see the field in 2025, but his upside could force the Patriots to consider giving him snaps if Douglas continues to struggle. For now, though, Diggs’ increased slot usage seems to be the primary focus, with his Week 3 snap distribution suggesting the team is already committed to this approach.
A Make-or-Break Moment for the Patriots’ Offense
The Patriots’ decision to move Stefon Diggs to the slot represents a critical turning point for both the player and the team. Diggs, who has not yet lived up to his $69 million contract, has a chance to rediscover his star form by leveraging his versatility in a new role. For the Patriots, this adjustment could unlock their stagnant passing game and provide a blueprint for offensive success. If Diggs can thrive in the slot and open up opportunities for players like Henry, Hooper, and even Chism, New England’s offense might finally start to click.
However, the clock is ticking. With only 35 receptions from their wide receivers through three weeks, the Patriots need more production from their pass-catchers to compete in a tough AFC East. Whether it’s Diggs in the slot, Chism getting a shot, or a combination of both, something has to give. For now, all eyes are on Diggs to prove that this role change is the spark the Patriots desperately need.