Stefon Diggs wasn’t just looking for a contract—he was looking for the right fit! And, when Mike Vrabel picked up the phone, they proceeded with the decision quickly enough. The four-time Pro Bowler has finalised a lucrative three-year, $69 million deal with the New England Patriots. He has vouched for one thing loud and clear, that Vrabel was a game-changer in this move. Across his career, Diggs has played for different types of coaches. But, with Vrabel, it hits differently. Vrabel is a former player, a three-time Super Bowl champ, and a guy who understands what it takes to win.

The Patriots’ WR addressed the media on Friday, March 28, 2025addressed the media on Friday, March 28, 2025, reflecting on Vrabel’s influence. Diggs provided the exact sort of leadership that he is rooting for. When asked if Vrabel played a role in his decision, he strongly agreed. “Yeah, a hundred percent.”

Given that Vrabel was a former player, Diggs stated, “They know what it takes to put the time in, being out there.” The WR clearly prioritises player-coaches over coaches who put an emphasis on data and strategy, “Like sometimes they get caught up in being, like in the numbers and the X’s and O’s.”

Diggs, on the other hand, appreciates player-coaches who are open to in-game improvisation. “And player-coaches know that you out there, you can make plays, things come up differently,” he added. So, Vrabel’s playing career was one of the biggest enticing factors for him, “seeing that he played the game of football, and how well he played the game of football.” And, Diggs has a deep respect for it. “I mean, he played with a standard, he played with some moxie, he had the energy.” Vrabel wasn’t just an enticing point—he was the selling point. In Diggs’ words, being around greatness leads to breeding greatness, and he is all up for Vrabel’s leadership.

Vrabel has also praised Diggs’ physicality, route craft, his phenomenal strength at the catch point, and his red-zone ability. Remarking on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, he said, “There’s a play style to him that I’ve always appreciated.” Diggs met Vrabel at a Pro Bowl, and it seems that this pair can take Patriots a long way.

Stefon Diggs’ expectation to build a legacy with the Patriots

At 31, Diggs does not intend to simply play for stats—he’s playing for his legacy. He could’ve gone elsewhere, but he was looking for stability. When asked if the transition surprised him, he responded, “Even if it was new to me, I wasn’t surprised because I know a lot of guys in the league.” And, what is his approach? It is to listen and learn. He remarked, “It was something that I went in with, you know, open ears and open eyes, you know what I’m saying? Not too much talking, just more so listening and engaging where what makes sense.”

Diggs knows that he could have gone places, “and did this, that, and the third, sure.” But New England offered something bigger: “I had to figure out what I really wanted for myself and where I wanted to be for the rest of my legacy.” The Patriots are in rebuild mode, but Diggs sees the vision. “And why not be a part of a winning organization in some places that definitely has a lot of talent and a coach that’s going to lead them in the right direction?,” he clarified. Let’s not forget: Diggs has major respect for “Graves” aka Vrabel. “I got a lot of respect for Graves, what he’s done as a player and what he’s done as a coach.” And it clear that Diggs is strongly looking forward to working with the HC.

And, and! Diggs isn’t the only big move that New England has made. With $120 million in cap space, they have added some good names to their roster including DT Milton Williams, LB Robert Spillane, Edge rushers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, OT Morgan Moses, and C Garrett Bradbury. Vrabel also made it clear that the Patriots are bringing in the right guys this time. “Just trying to make sure we’re supporting Drake and supporting the football team.” This is where Stefon Diggs comes in as he is expected to be the go-to target for rookie QB Drake Maye. He is sure of his plan, “I’ll stay healthy. And the rest will take care of itself.” With a coach he believes in, a young QB to work with, and a fresh start, Diggs is all set to begin this new chapter.