A familiar face hits free agency again. Could a surprising reunion with the Vikings be on the horizon for this Pro Bowl receiver?
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefan Diggs is set to hit free agency once again. This comes in light of recent news that the New England Patriots are set to part ways with the player.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports that the Pats have let Diggs know they plan to let go of his contract this offseason. It begs the question, could Diggs return to Minnesota where he first became a household name in the NFL.
Vikings fans without any lingering negative feelings from his departure would likely welcome the player should Minnesota be able to pull off the move financially. However, given the team's salary cap issues and lack of a proven starting quarterback it may be unlikely the move is feasible.
Ted Schwerzler of the Minnesota Sports Fan discussed why we probably should not get our hopes up about a Vikings reunion for Minnesota and Diggs. He wrote the following of the potential of the deal.
"Despite signing a three-year deal worth $63.5 million last offseason, Diggs lasted just one season with the Patriots. The contract was structured to allow for an out after year one.
New England paid Diggs just over $21.5 million and will incur an $11.4 million dead cap hit. He leaves more than $50 million on the table after the release and won’t be likely to see another significant payday this time around.
The Minnesota Vikings could be considered a suitor with the departure of Jalen Nailor. However, imagining Diggs to play third fiddle behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is essentially laughable. He doesn’t have the temperament for that role.
It shouldn’t be hard for Diggs to find a prove-it deal, something around the $5-10 million range for one year. He’ll play most of next season at 32 years old and is still a crafty veteran if he can get with the program for an organization."
Whether or not Diggs would be the third option in Minnesota behind Jordan Addison at wide receiver is debatable. That said, one thing is for certain: Diggs would not be taking targets away from Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson. And aside from the team's limited money to go and get another contributor, it's unlikely Diggs would like a set up where another receiver is getting a way higher volume of targets.
We'll see where everything shakes out, but the Vikings focus is likely on finding a quarterback as the offseason is starting to unfold.