New Delhi, March 5 -- The New England Patriots are set to release wide receiver Stefon Diggs as the new league year approaches, a move that has immediately intensified trade speculation surrounding Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown.

Stefon Diggs joined the New England Patriots last offseason and quickly became their top target. In the 2025 season, the 33-year-old led the team with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, playing a key role in New England's surprising Super Bowl run. Despite the strong individual performance, his projected $26.5 million cap hit for 2026 made retention difficult.

Releasing Diggs before the league year begins frees up approximately $16.8 million in cap space, with additional savings available if ...