In their rebuild mode, the Patriots had many connections with the ace receiver Stefon Diggs. Their wide receiver coach, Todd Downing, had worked with him way back in 2018. But over the years, both have matured. The WR has also calmed down about his role in the team. The new HC, Mike Vrabel, was also excited. He praised the 4-times Pro Bowler and said, “Stefon brings an energy to him.” But his contract with the Pats isn’t all good news.

Just last year, the Texans restructured the WR’s deal into a 1-year $22.52 million. They were hoping for a good run. He also started with a bang in 8 games (all starters), with 47 receptions in 496 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. He even scored a rushing TD in 3 rushes for 8 yards. However, Diggs tore his ACL during a Week 8 matchup between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. The torn ACL ruled him out of the entire season. This year, it’s just not about the vibe at the Pats. They also played it smart.

New details are coming to light from the WR’s 3-year $69 million contract with $26 million guaranteed. The Patriots have put a key condition. That is, if Stefon Diggs fails to pass the physical test, they owe him $0. They have added the loophole to the WR’s contract, ensuring their safety.

The Patriots have the power to cancel the contract because of Diggs’s pre-existing injury—unless he clears a physical. In other words, until he passes that physical, the team isn’t locked into paying any guaranteed money. And if he ends up re-tearing his ACL or suffers another setback with his right knee, they won’t owe him a dime.

Last Friday, on the 28th of March, the Pats released a video of the receiver talking about his recovery. He said, “We’ll see. I’m ahead of schedule. I’m trying to stay ahead of schedule. I’ll pretty much take it day by day. I’ll try not to put the cart before the horse.” But the mystery still shrouds his recovery.

Moreover, the Pats have covered all their bases. HC Mike Vrabel understands how they can lose money if he gets injured. And they have put limitations on that.

Patriots’ conditions for Stefon Diggs

The AFC East franchise has put other conditions in the receiver’s contract that might control the financial loss. According to his contract, the franchise doesn’t have to pay him anything if he suffers any injury again that may re-tear the ACL or have any other aggravation or re-injury to the right knee.

The contract includes a waiver specifically for his right knee, stating that his guarantees do not apply to any football-related injury he sustains while playing—if, in the sole opinion of the team’s physician (whose judgment is final and binding), it is in any way connected to a deterioration, aggravation, or re-injury of his pre-existing knee issue.

Hence, for Stefon Diggs, the team physician will be the sole decider of the injury if it has caused further problems. As per NBC sports, while contractual protections against pre-existing injuries aren’t unusual, a source familiar with NFL trends described the Diggs clause as ‘uncommon.’ Jimmy Garoppolo also had similar terms and conditions in his contract with the Raiders over his knee injury. However, we have a bigger example that might have served as the inspiration.

The Browns’ QB, Deshaun Watson. He signed a $230 million deal for 5 years. But he injured his right Achilles tendon in 2024 after week 7. He re-ruptured it in January this year, forcing the rehab to many more months. So, the Pats want to ensure that they have the player ready when they need him. And not keep their salary cap stuck on him. This will help him also work hard on his fitness.

However, Diggs is confident that his knee won’t hurt him financially. Addressing the media at Gillette Stadium on March 28, he said, “I kind of figured [the contract] was going to be around that area, considering I’m coming off the injury, but also the fact that I’m one of the only receivers that had six 1,000-yard seasons consecutively [before the injury].” Acknowledging his own capabilities, Diggs added, “The production, it’s always been here. I can move the chains. I can do intermediate. And I can go deep. I did that all throughout my career. My résumé probably speaks for itself, but it was more so the injury that would deter or make the money is what it is.” Positivity is what he needs right now.

Grateful for this opportunity, Diggs mentioned that he is eager to build a strong connection with QB Drake Maye—just as he did with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen from 2020 to 2023. Fingers crossed.