The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Voice_of_Reason]

I've grown to be willing to add Diggs to the roster, but preferably under these caveats:
1) He is brought in to be part of a rotation, where his presence still allows Luke/Burks/Lane/Williams/etc enough snaps to develop and find their groove
2) He convinces our Brass that he is no longer a knucklehead and ready to act like a veteran grown-ass man, without pouting if he only gets 15 plays and 4 catches per game
3) His contract allows caveat #1 to be realistic

All of that would be great, especially giving us a glimmer of hope if Terry goes down again. However, I don't think his ego would allow for that to happen

The NE reporters said Diggs was a model citizen last year. I don’t think anybody has any questions about him either in the locker room or on the field.

The questions are all off the field.

if we’re going to sign a guy, I want that guy to play outside. I don’t want another slot guy. Every practice rep at slot needs to go to Williams, McCaffery and Lane. We have 3 mid round draft pics who need to develop or what are we doing here?

We need help outside. Is Diggs that guy? Maybe, he played a lot outside last year, but was more effective from the slot.

I’m more concerned we Burks/Van Jefferson/dBrown than the slot guys.

That said, I’m much more concerned about CB than any WR spot.

 

[DWinzit]

The NE reporters said Diggs was a model citizen last year. I don’t think anybody has any questions about him either in the locker room or on the field.

The questions are all off the field.

if we’re going to sign a guy, I want that guy to play outside. I don’t want another slot guy. Every practice rep at slot needs to go to Williams, McCaffery and Lane. We have 3 mid round draft pics who need to develop or what are we doing here?

We need help outside. Is Diggs that guy? Maybe, he played a lot outside last year, but was more effective from the slot.

I’m more concerned we Burks/Van Jefferson/dBrown than the slot guys.

That said, I’m much more concerned about CB than any WR spot.

The way I see it currently, the only way we get a proven outside guy is through trade.

The only other way is that you leave yourself at the mercy of some team hopefully cutting a guy late in preseason. if that occurs there will probably be other teams competing for the player driving the price higher than the player deserves.

Diggs can play all over the field. How effective...who knows but more effective than most of the current FA's no matter.

So I'm in for them signing him or getting that surprise trade done. The sooner the better as teams will begin to get more desperate especially if any injuries are sustained in camps, which are bound to occur.

The rest of the receivers will all find/earn their assignments over the summer. They are not a group of duds. Each has talent, its just a question of whose are going to shine and mesh with the new system, what's asked of them and how Jayden and Marcus take to them.

 

[burgold]

I've grown to be willing to add Diggs to the roster, but preferably under these caveats:
1) He is brought in to be part of a rotation, where his presence still allows Luke/Burks/Lane/Williams/etc enough snaps to develop and find their groove
2) He convinces our Brass that he is no longer a knucklehead and ready to act like a veteran grown-ass man, without pouting if he only gets 15 plays and 4 catches per game
3) His contract allows caveat #1 to be realistic

All of that would be great, especially giving us a glimmer of hope if Terry goes down again. However, I don't think his ego would allow for that to happen

4) All of his legal woes are put to bed.

 

[Chris]

Not entirely. Criminal legal woes, yes. But he is still a party in 2 civil court he said/he said cases.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I’m not disputing the whole report, or any of it. Specifically reacting to the “Washington is intriguing to diggs because…”

That’s thrown in there for a reason. And it’s not just random, and didn’t come from Washington.

If there are 5 teams poking around, I buy that.

But I think Diggs’ market after all the off field stuff is softer than he was expecting. There might be several teams interested but not at the price he wants.

So it appears as though his agent is trying to drum up interest.

Yeah, it feels a little like Diggs wants to come to Washington, but Washington might not be all that interested in Diggs likely because of his price.

Like I said, Keim should be an interesting listen this week because he's hinted that he'll ask the brass about the wide receiver situation.

My gut says they do nothing or sign someone on the cheap, like Hopkins. I also wonder if Peters was given a firm cash budget by Harris, with the understanding that if they're going to exceed it, it had better be for a move that meaningfully changes their Super Bowl odds. Peters may not want to push for that yet—either because he doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on the team this season or because he believes 2027 is the better time to make an all-in push.

Again, that's just my guess. But you've pointed this out, and I've noticed it too: Keim has been pretty direct about the tradeoffs. If they had signed Pierce, they probably wouldn't have made the same defensive upgrades. If they had signed Doubs, maybe there's no Chig. Every move comes at the expense of another.

Following that logic—and factoring in Keim's point that Diggs is likely to seek a competitive market, while part of the appeal of Aiyuk was that he might have come at a discount—it makes me think Diggs probably isn't their guy unless his market ends up being much softer than expected.

 

[DWinzit]

Yeah, it feels a little like Diggs wants to come to Washington, but Washington might not be all that interested in Diggs likely because of his price.

Like I said, Keim should be an interesting listen this week because he's hinted that he'll ask the brass about the wide receiver situation.

My gut says they do nothing or sign someone on the cheap, like Hopkins. I also wonder if Peters was given a firm cash budget by Harris, with the understanding that if they're going to exceed it, it had better be for a move that meaningfully changes their Super Bowl odds. Peters may not want to push for that yet—either because he doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on the team this season or because he believes 2027 is the better time to make an all-in push.

Again, that's just my guess. But you've pointed this out, and I've noticed it too: Keim has been pretty direct about the tradeoffs. If they had signed Pierce, they probably wouldn't have made the same defensive upgrades. If they had signed Doubs, maybe there's no Chig. Every move comes at the expense of another.

Following that logic—and factoring in Keim's point that Diggs is likely to seek a competitive market, while part of the appeal of Aiyuk was that he might have come at a discount—it makes me think Diggs probably isn't their guy unless his market ends up being much softer than expected.

Agreed as with the Aiyuk mess, Diggs price tag should have elevated.

 

[DWinzit]

Just a reminder that there is a previously mentioned possible chapter trade option for a proven outside/down field guy, just not one that is super talented or well known.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte “delivered highlight plays each of the first two days of training camp.”​

Boutte has been getting behind the Patriots’ defense thus far, maintaining the positive downfield play he demonstrated last season. The fourth-year wide receiver was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason. Training camp hype could get that news cycle going again. That said, having a deep receiving corps is a great problem to have. If Boutte is willing to buy into a rotational WR3/4 role behind WR1 A.J. Brown and WR2 Romeo Doubs, keeping Boutte in a Patriots uniform could be best for all involved. It will be very difficult for him to warrant FLEX treatment in re-draft formats with his current squad, though.
- Nic Bodiford

1h ago
Source: ESPN

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

Yeah, it feels a little like Diggs wants to come to Washington, but Washington might not be all that interested in Diggs likely because of his price.

Like I said, Keim should be an interesting listen this week because he's hinted that he'll ask the brass about the wide receiver situation.

My gut says they do nothing or sign someone on the cheap, like Hopkins. I also wonder if Peters was given a firm cash budget by Harris, with the understanding that if they're going to exceed it, it had better be for a move that meaningfully changes their Super Bowl odds. Peters may not want to push for that yet—either because he doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on the team this season or because he believes 2027 is the better time to make an all-in push.

Again, that's just my guess. But you've pointed this out, and I've noticed it too: Keim has been pretty direct about the tradeoffs. If they had signed Pierce, they probably wouldn't have made the same defensive upgrades. If they had signed Doubs, maybe there's no Chig. Every move comes at the expense of another.

Following that logic—and factoring in Keim's point that Diggs is likely to seek a competitive market, while part of the appeal of Aiyuk was that he might have come at a discount—it makes me think Diggs probably isn't their guy unless his market ends up being much softer than expected.

It’s very possible there’s a budget thing.

I really think they want to see the guys they have, especially the 3 guys they drafted work out and don’t want another guy guy who’s best in the slot at this point.

The question I’m sure they’re asking is if they bring in Diggs, and they keep their slot guys, is he better outside than the three guys they have at that spot now.

I think a lot of people would say yes.

I’m not sure they would.

I don’t know who’s right. It’s just a gut feeling, they’re much more comfortable with the WR in situation at current than people outside.

Now, if they go through a week of TC and it all falls apart, they might change.

Though I’m also really worried they might have the reverse happen as what happened last year. Last year we thought the defense was better in camp because they were going up against backup and PS level WRs.

This year they could be tricked into feeling better about the WRs because the CBs are a huge question mark.

 

[burgold]

Morning thought was that they just put three guys on the PUP. Now, sometimes you do that because the guys are physically unable to play, but sometimes you do that because you want to clear roster spots and want to add some artificial space. I am sure the guys are hurt, but am unsure about their timelines for return. I wonder if we should expect three quick signings?

 

[skinsinparadise]

It’s very possible there’s a budget thing.

I really think they want to see the guys they have, especially the 3 guys they drafted work out and don’t want another guy guy who’s best in the slot at this point.

The question I’m sure they’re asking is if they bring in Diggs, and they keep their slot guys, is he better outside than the three guys they have at that spot now.

I think a lot of people would say yes.

I’m not sure they would.

I don’t know who’s right. It’s just a gut feeling, they’re much more comfortable with the WR in situation at current than people outside.

Now, if they go through a week of TC and it all falls apart, they might change.

Though I’m also really worried they might have the reverse happen as what happened last year. Last year we thought the defense was better in camp because they were going up against backup and PS level WRs.

This year they could be tricked into feeling better about the WRs because the CBs are a huge question mark.

My gut feeling is they've spent three years rationalizing their weapons, so why would they stop now? To me, it's the one area where this regime has carried over the same philosophy from the Ron Rivera era.

Especially when money is involved. It's almost like, "I don't need that expensive jacket. I'll just wear two sweaters instead and convince myself I got the better deal."

My other gut feeling is they survive another season with a mediocre supporting cast the same way they did in 2024: Jayden running... and running... and running.

I do think Peters will eventually attack the position aggressively. Just as he realized after two seasons that his approach at edge wasn't working and pivoted toward an Eagles/Rams-style investment to turn a weakness into a strength, I could see him taking that same all-in approach at wide receiver in 2027.

Unless Diggs' price comes down. If the market softens enough, I think there's a chance he ends up in Washington. But before I get too carried away with that idea, I want to hear what Keim has to say this week. He's usually pretty plugged in, and I'm curious how he sees the Diggs situation playing out.

 

[Boone]

I don't know how anyone can say 'they think we are fine at WR' after watching Peters swing for the fences to try and get top free agent WRs. He wasn't able to pull those moves off, but there's no denying he swung hard. I think that clearly shows he doesn't think we are set at that position.

As for Diggs, he is so far beyond anyone we have not named McLaurin - he has averaged well over 100 receptions and more than 1000 yds (often much more) in 7 of the last 8 seasons. We don't have a WR on this roster, including Terry McLaurin, who has ever had 100 receptions in a season He would be a massive upgrade over anyone else on this roster. The only legitimate arguments for not signing him are age (he's 2 years older than Terry) and/or money. Otherwise, it is a no-brainer.

 

[skinsinparadise]

No doubt they shot for bigger fish at Wr. But I noticed the rationalization from Quinn started to happen after they missed on the targets. The whole WR by committee crap.

And then I noticed the shift from some beat guys covering the team about hey WR isn't that bad -- you guys know how special David Blough is? How unqiue it is to have a pass catching TE? Heck that RB Rachaad can catch the ball, etc.

As I mentioned it reminded me so much about the 2023 narrative, back then it was about the O line, fans were concerned, local media were concerned -- and then all of a sudden camp came and it shifted right before hand, local media defended it, said it was fine. It came out later that the FO talked to some in the local media and convinced them.

Keim has referenced money repeatedly as an X factor with pick ups including things like if they signed this player, they wouldn't have the money to sign the other, etc. And he referenced several times that Diggs unlike Aiyuk would likely have more competition and it would demand more money to sign him -- and he felt that would favor Aiyuk. Now granted that was pre Aiyuk meltdown. So does that make them shift to Diggs or convince themselves their WR are fine.

 

[Boone]

I have to believe they are completely out on of the idea of Aiyuk. Him getting into it with Jayden had to seal that outcome. I can't imagine he is even part of the conversation (if there even is a conversation) at this point.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I have to believe they are completely out on of the idea of Aiyuk. Him getting into it with Jayden had to seal that outcome. I can't imagine he is even part of the conversation (if there even is a conversation) at this point.

Agree but pre Aiyuk meltdown everyone who covered this team thought it will go down. Now clearly it won't. But does that mean they offen up their coffers a bit more for Diggs? Assuming he has a healthy market? Not sure.

Some covering the team now expect them to do nothing, will see.

 

[burgold]

I think the window of a vet receiver coming in and being useful in 2026 is shrinking. It's not closed yet especially if the receiver is a specialist who does one amazing thing, but the time to get the timing down, learn the playbook, the calls, and getting the player in football shape to reduce the chance of soft tissue injuries is narrowing.

Realistically, I think it takes about a month to get a receiver ready to go. At least that seems to have been the timeline we've seen in the past.

 

[NoCalSkins]

I think the window of a vet receiver coming in and being useful in 2026 is shrinking. It's not closed yet especially if the receiver is a specialist who does one amazing thing, but the time to get the timing down, learn the playbook, the calls, and getting the player in football shape to reduce the chance of soft tissue injuries is narrowing.

Realistically, I think it takes about a month to get a receiver ready to go. At least that seems to have been the timeline we've seen in the past.

Yeah that is really what it is for me as well. The same way a lot of us felt as the Terry situation was dragging on and on last offseason, at a certain point it becomes a distraction because the availability of the work on the field that needs to be done in preparation of the season continues to dwindle the more time that goes by during camp without the players you presume will be on the opening day roster being on that practice field. Terry at least had previously already had a productive season with Jayden Daniels but a free agent is going to be coming in fresh and needs the work not necessarily for their own skills or shape but the timing with the QB.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[UK Skins]

Yeah it's insane because of all the typos!

 

[method man]

Just a reminder that there is a previously mentioned possible chapter trade option for a proven outside/down field guy, just not one that is super talented or well known.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte “delivered highlight plays each of the first two days of training camp.”​

Boutte has been getting behind the Patriots’ defense thus far, maintaining the positive downfield play he demonstrated last season. The fourth-year wide receiver was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason. Training camp hype could get that news cycle going again. That said, having a deep receiving corps is a great problem to have. If Boutte is willing to buy into a rotational WR3/4 role behind WR1 A.J. Brown and WR2 Romeo Doubs, keeping Boutte in a Patriots uniform could be best for all involved. It will be very difficult for him to warrant FLEX treatment in re-draft formats with his current squad, though.
- Nic Bodiford

1h ago
Source: ESPN

If budget is the issue, he is the best option. I hate giving up picks but could give up a 6th if the Patriots are willing to split or eat most of the salary like we did with BRob last year when we traded him to the Niners.