Stefon Diggs Nearly Landed with Vikings’ Nemesis Before Choosing Patriots

A Shocking Offseason Move

The New England Patriots officially announced the signing of former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Friday, marking his third team change in as many years. While the move is significant in itself, a recent report has revealed that Diggs had other suitors this offseason—two of which could have drastically changed his narrative.

Jacksonville and Denver Expressed Interest

During an episode of NFL Live, ESPN’s Adam Schefter disclosed that both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Denver Broncos expressed interest in signing Diggs. While the Jaguars would have been a strong offensive fit, it is Denver’s pursuit of the star wideout that has particularly caught the attention of Vikings fans.

Sean Payton’s Attempt to Lure Diggs

The Broncos’ interest in Diggs is intriguing, given that their head coach, Sean Payton, is a well-known adversary of the Vikings’ faithful. Payton, infamous in Minnesota for his role in the “Bountygate” scandal and his past battles against the Vikings, could have added another layer of drama had he successfully recruited Diggs to Denver.

Familiar Faces in the Mile High City

A potential signing with the Broncos would have also reunited Diggs with Denver’s general manager, George Paton, who previously served as the assistant GM in Minnesota when Diggs was drafted in 2015. Paton, having firsthand experience with Diggs’ talent, likely saw him as a reliable target for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. However, despite the Broncos’ interest, Diggs ultimately chose to sign with New England instead.

Betting on a Fresh Start in New England

Instead of heading to Denver or Jacksonville, Diggs has opted to team up with second-year quarterback Drake Maye in New England. The decision appears to be driven by both financial incentives and the opportunity to be a cornerstone of the Patriots’ evolving offense. However, questions remain about his health, as Diggs is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 last season. While he has claimed to be ahead of schedule in his rehab, there is no guarantee he will be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 campaign.

Boom or Bust in Foxborough?

Diggs’ tenure in New England could go one of two ways: either he becomes the game-changing receiver that helps Maye transition into a franchise quarterback, or his tenure becomes a tumultuous ride filled with drama, as has been the case in his previous stops. Vikings fans know all too well the highs and lows of Diggs’ presence on a team, and Patriots fans are now left hoping they see more of the highs.

Whether this move turns out to be a masterstroke or a misstep, one thing is clear—Stefon Diggs remains one of the most intriguing players in the NFL, and his impact in New England will be closely watched.