The New England Patriots signed Stefon Diggs this offseason to give their offense a much-needed playmaker. Little did they know they were also signing up for a lot of drama off the field.
Diggs has come under fire recently for partying on a boat with an unknown substance while skipping the Patriots’ organized team activities (OTAs).
While OTAs are voluntary, and veterans like Diggs don’t always attend these workouts, the activities Diggs appeared to be engaging in on the boat are cause for concern.
The situation became such a distraction that cutting the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was reportedly on the table.
Diggs has not exactly endeared himself to his new fanbase, but it looks like he’s trying to save face. New England held OTAs on Monday, and Diggs showed up for the first time since the viral video of him surfaced.
With all the noise surrounding Diggs, his decision to attend the voluntary workout is a welcome sign. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels addressed Diggs’ situation during Monday’s practice and assured that his new wide receiver is learning the playbook.
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“I know he's staying up on the information and material,” McDaniels told reporters.
The Patriots signed multiple players this offseason, but Diggs was arguably their biggest addition. New England had one of the worst wide receiver groups in the NFL last season, with none of their players eclipsing 700 yards or three touchdowns.
New England desperately needed to give Drake Maye a reliable weapon to help him develop, so bringing in an All-Pro wide receiver like Diggs made perfect sense.
That being said, Diggs is also 31 years old and coming off a torn ACL, so if he’s not fully locked in, his production will almost certainly decline.
The whole boat ordeal will be forgotten if Diggs has a strong career in New England, but if he disappoints, the video will go down in infamy.
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