It's that time of year. Fanbases start generating ideas, and the media starts creating narratives about who's still available that can help their team. One name has left many Pats fans wondering… what is going on with Stefon Diggs? Was the door left open? Or was it just a good fun one-year run?

Let's talk about the obvious Diggs was a bigger impact than any of us expected, he showed true leadership, played for the team, and came up big when it mattered during the regular season—resulting in another 1000-yard season, and elevating Drake Maye and the offense. Was he a distraction? No. Yes, there was a boat incident, yes, there was an investigation that eventually settled in court (later found not guilty) during the season he was professional and was not a problem like many speculated he would be. Diggs proved many doubters wrong last year in the locker room and on the field.

Let's talk about why and why not.

Why Not:

Age 32 will be 33 in November. The older the receiver the more obvious the regression.
Development of Kyle Williams. The team claims to be a draft-and-develop team, so let's not interfere with a young ascending talent. Let's see what we truly have in Kyle, and let's give him this next-level role.
Too many guys are fishing for targets. Though AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs are great additions, could drama ensue when/if say incentives such as receptions or yards, could be hurt by adding another addition like Diggs? This room could get too crowded. It could get messy trying to keep everyone happy.
Is this where he wants to be? I've speculated for months where Diggs could go, what would he want? To be a similar leader for another team? Be close to where he's from in Maryland? My best guess is him joining the Commanders who need another weapon Opposite Scary Terry. He would help Jayden Daniels the way he helped Maye last season. Diggs would immediately breathe new life into the Commanders but still be a pivotal piece for their offense needing talent for their young QB.

Why:

Diggs showed during his stint in Houston that he's selfless when it helps the team. Willing to take a backseat role and mentor the young guys but not step over anyone like Nico Collins or Tank Dell. He could show that same selflessness again.
Diggs defied returning from an ACL in a short amount of time. With his work ethic he will work his ass off to prove age is just a number, prove he can make this work. In terms of football, he is a true professional on the field.
The re-addition of Diggs would solidify our receiver room as one of the scariest, well-versed rooms in the entire league. If there's one way to elevate a young QB and maximize his rookie deal it's surrounding him with as much talent as possible.
He knows what's expected of him, and he knows the offense. McDaniels offense has been said to be one of the most difficult to learn, from language on calls, to role expectations, and doesn't always lead to consistent target share for players. Diggs can still work with further development of our young receivers, but in terms of on the field, he can execute what is asked of him in whatever role he'd fit into.
Let's finish what you started. The image of Diggs standing at the Center of Mile High knowing he's going to the Super Bowl a moment he dreamed of his whole life… wouldn't you want to get back with the team that got you there, the QB you helped reach a new level? This could be a finish-the-story moment for Diggs.
They never closed the door on Diggs. Throughout numerous press conferences and media availability, Eliot Wolf, has never fully shut the door on the possibility of a return for Diggs… is this a we’re gonna let you test the market? Is this a we both weren't satisfied with where your contract was at, so we will let you go, were gonna make our additions, and if you don't find another team, we will gladly bring you back. We don't know what’s taking place behind the scenes but one things for sure, it felt like a temporary goodbye in Wolf’s answers to the media.

Final Thoughts:

I can see 1 of 2 things… the optimistic Patriots Fan in me wants this to become a reality, a chance to truly solidify our offense as one of the most threatening offenses in the league, that teams will dread facing with the re-addition of Stefon Diggs. I also see a reality of Diggs thinking he can do it again for another team, and I could see it being the Commanders, a team looking to bounce back with a healthy Jayden Daniels, and get back to the playoffs in an offense in need of talent.

When? Is the final question. If it is a return for us, do we want to strike while the iron is hot after trading for AJ Brown… or will he want to continue to work on his own, and wait till he gets to camp to continue exploring options, or rejoin? The fans are gonna see this in many different ways and neither side is wrong. We all can agree we want the best for Drake Maye, and if they believe Diggs in this room helps, or if they're confident with what they have and are ready to move on. We all can agree that we want what helps Drake the most.