New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs made his return to the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) on Monday, marking his first appearance since a viral video surfaced last week showing him partying on a yacht. The video, which captured Diggs handing out a baggie containing an unidentified pink substance to women during a Memorial Day weekend outing, sparked widespread speculation and raised questions about his commitment to the team. Despite the controversy, Diggs was back on the practice field, signaling a potential resolution to the off-field distraction as the Patriots prepare for the 2025 season.
A Return to the Field
Diggs, donning his No. 8 jersey, greeted reporters with a wave and a brief “Nice to see you” before jogging onto the field at Gillette Stadium. While he was a limited participant in practice, focusing on individual drills due to his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL sustained in October 2024 with the Houston Texans, his presence was a notable step forward. Observers noted that Diggs appeared athletic and explosive, impressing teammates and coaches despite not being fully cleared for team drills. Patriots tight end Austin Hooper praised Diggs’ recovery, saying, “You can see he’s a freak… I’m really excited to work with a proven veteran, good player in this league.”
The 31-year-old wide receiver, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with $26 million guaranteed in the offseason, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Patriots’ revamped receiving corps. His return to OTAs quelled some concerns about his status with the team, especially after missing voluntary sessions the previous week. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels expressed confidence in Diggs’ preparation, stating, “He’s staying up on the information and the material… I’m not concerned about Stef in that regard.”
The Yacht Video Controversy
The viral video, which surfaced over Memorial Day weekend, showed Diggs on a yacht alongside rumored girlfriend Cardi B and other women, handing out a baggie of pink powder. The unidentified substance prompted speculation, with some fans and media questioning whether it could lead to disciplinary action from the team or the NFL. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the issue last week, emphasizing the importance of “making great decisions on and off the field” but keeping any discussions with Diggs private. “Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club,” Vrabel said.
The video led to rumors of potential consequences, including speculation from insiders like Scott Zolak and Albert Breer that the Patriots might consider cutting Diggs. Zolak suggested that the team was questioning whether Diggs was “all-in,” while Breer noted that the decision would hinge on the credibility of Diggs’ explanation to Vrabel. However, reports from NBC Sports Boston indicate that the controversy is unlikely to result in significant fallout, with insider Tom E. Curran stating, “The sense I’m getting is there will be no fallout based on what happened last weekend.”
Contract Considerations and Recovery Progress
Diggs’ contract, initially reported as a three-year, $69 million deal, is heavily incentive-laden, with only $16.6 million fully guaranteed. A key provision requires Diggs to pass a full physical to secure his $12 million signing bonus and additional guarantees. As of Monday, the Patriots have not confirmed whether Diggs has passed this physical, and his limited participation in practice suggests he may still be awaiting clearance. This contractual structure provides the Patriots with an “out” if Diggs’ recovery or behavior becomes a concern, though his performance on the field Monday suggests he is trending toward being ready for Week 1.
Despite the ACL injury that limited him to 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games with the Texans in 2024, Diggs has a proven track record. He recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2018 to 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2020. His addition to the Patriots is seen as a critical move to bolster a passing game that lacked a true No. 1 receiver last season, with no player surpassing 700 receiving yards.
Looking Ahead
Diggs’ return to OTAs comes as the Patriots aim to rebuild under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, who is instilling a no-nonsense culture following a 4-13 season in 2024. The team hopes Diggs will provide a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, whose development is a priority. Patriots receivers coach Todd Downing noted Diggs’ familiarity with elements of the offensive system from his time in Buffalo, saying, “There’s a little carryover with the stuff he did with [Brian] Daboll back in the day… he’s been working hard.”
While the yacht video created a temporary distraction, Diggs’ presence at practice and positive feedback from coaches and teammates suggest he remains focused on his recovery and integration with the team. NFL insider reports indicate that the league is unlikely to pursue further investigation into the video due to the inability to identify the substance, and the Patriots appear ready to move forward with Diggs as a key piece of their 2025 roster.
As the final week of OTAs continues, all eyes will be on Diggs’ progress, both in his recovery and his ability to mesh with Maye and the offense. If Monday’s practice is any indication, the four-time Pro Bowler is on track to make a significant impact when the regular season kicks off against the Las Vegas Raiders in September.