Stefon Diggs’ $69M Patriots Deal: Game-Changer or Contract Time Bomb?
When the New England Patriots inked Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million contract, it felt like a thunderbolt across the NFL. After all, Diggs is a proven star, and even coming off a serious knee injury, the move suggested bold intentions from a franchise desperate for an offensive resurgence. But under the surface of this headline-grabbing deal lies a carefully structured contract that could quickly unravel, hinging entirely on one crucial element: Diggs’ health.
<strong>The Fine Print: Not as Secure as It Seems</strong>
While $69 million sounds massive, only $26 million of that is guaranteed, and even that comes with strings attached. Diggs’ payout depends entirely on his ability to pass a full physical exam. If the team doctor deems him unfit, the Patriots are under no obligation to honor the rest of the deal—including $10.6 million in guaranteed salary outside the signing bonus.
According to Paragraph 26 of his contract, Diggs must clear a club-administered physical to receive payment installments. He’s already pocketed the first $4 million of a $12 million signing bonus, but the remaining payments—due in October 2025 and March 2026—won’t be delivered if he fails the test.
<strong>Pre-Existing Condition Clause: The Patriots’ Escape Hatch</strong>
The most concerning detail lies in Paragraph 27(e), which emphasizes a “Pre-Existing Condition.” If Diggs’ injury (his previously torn ACL) is the cause of a failed physical, the team can terminate his deal without owing him additional guaranteed money. In essence, the Patriots built themselves a safety net that allows them to walk away if his knee doesn’t hold up—no questions asked.
<strong>Off-Field Drama Adds More Fuel</strong>
As if the medical uncertainty wasn’t enough, Diggs has stirred controversy off the field too. A recent viral video showed the wideout aboard a yacht handing a woman a mysterious pink substance. While no evidence of illegal behavior has surfaced, the optics were enough to spark debate. It didn’t help that he skipped the Patriots’ OTAs entirely. His contract includes a morality clause stating he must avoid any “illegal, unlawful, or immoral” conduct—leaving room for interpretation and leverage, should the team seek an exit.
<strong>All Eyes on the Physical</strong>
Right now, everything hinges on Diggs passing his physical. If he does, the Patriots are locked into their investment—at least until any further controversy arises. If he fails, the team could cut ties without taking much of a financial hit. Given the lack of hard evidence surrounding his off-field behavior, the failed physical would be their cleanest legal option.
<strong>Smart Business or Ticking Time Bomb?</strong>
In one light, the Patriots look shrewd: they’ve secured a potential WR1 under tight terms that shield them from injury risk and off-field complications. But in another, they may have spent big on a player whose future remains murky—and whose presence could become more of a distraction than a solution.
Until the physical results are public, one thing is clear: this contract isn’t just about money. It’s about timing, optics, and leverage—and Stefon Diggs is playing from behind before the 2025 season even begins.