Stefon Diggs played a pivotal role in strengthening the New England Patriots’ passing game on Sunday, recording five receptions, including a key red-zone touchdown, for a total of 46 yards by the conclusion of the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This performance contributed to a notable season for the veteran receiver, who, through the season’s first nine games, had amassed 45 catches on 53 targets, leading the team with 508 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
In addition to his impressive statistics, Diggs reached a significant career milestone by surpassing the 11,000-yard mark, making him only the seventh active player to achieve this feat. He entered the game just a yard shy of this milestone, but his performance in Tampa ensured he made it.
New England acquired Diggs in March, signing him to a three-year, $69 million contract to serve as a key offensive asset for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Prior to joining the Patriots, Diggs spent time with the Houston Texans but gained prominence during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, where he racked up 5,372 yards and 37 touchdowns from 2020 to 2023. Notably, in 2020, he led the NFL in receptions, targets, and receiving yards, helping the Bills secure a 13-3 record and reach the AFC Championship Game.
Now in his 11th NFL season, Diggs has established himself as a consistent performer, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods. Although this season has not seen him as a dominant volume receiver, he has remained integral on critical downs and scoring chances, placing him among the top 30 receivers in the league with 508 yards. He is well within striking distance of achieving his seventh career season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Looking ahead, the Patriots are set to face the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 16, followed by a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 23, and then back-to-back home games against the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. These upcoming games will be crucial as the Patriots aim to secure a favorable playoff position, with Diggs expected to continue being a key contributor during this decisive stretch of the season.