Stefon Diggs was once the brightest of stars. What happened to him?
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Pats HC Mike Vrabel is 'aware' of Stefon Diggs boat video
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel answers questions about the recent video of his wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
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Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps.
Do you remember when Stefon Diggs was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL?
Do you? Because I do. In 2020, Diggs led all receivers with 127 catches and 1,535 receiving yards. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls while with the Buffalo Bills. He was devastating. Absolutely devastating. There was a time, not so long ago, when an argument could have been made that Diggs was the best receiver in football.
Then slowly, ever so slowly, things started to change. Or, maybe the better way to put it, is things began to reveal themselves. It should be made clear that Diggs was well liked by Bills teammates and was a relentless worker. But cracks started to show in the relationship between Diggs and the team. There was, for example, the time Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen exchanged words on the sideline.
Things shifted for Diggs. The reasons why have never been extremely clear. There are many theories.
One thing is certain. If you remember what Diggs did in 2020, what you're seeing now is stunning. He did have some nice seasons in Buffalo after that year, but he was traded to Houston, and then tore his ACL. Diggs is now in New England.
Then came the latest with Diggs. New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he was aware of a video circulating on social media that included Diggs.
"Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field," Vrabel said when asked about the video. "We're hoping that with our time here on the field today, that when we don't have a script and we're on the call periods, that we're making great decisions. The message will be the same for all our players, that we're trying to make great decisions. Any conversations that I've had with Stefon will remain between him, I and the club."
Patriots radio color commentator Scott Zolak, who played for the team, said the possibility of Diggs getting cut wasn't off the table.
'I came to this show yesterday with the opinion — not opinion, but the knowledge that it is on the table,' Zolak said on 98.5 The Sports Hub's 'Zolak & Bertrand. 'That it is being thought of. And it's not just the boat. It's not just the boat. There are some other things that I've heard that put some things in question. Are you all-in here?
'The videos look great of him working out. I've touted the videos. I know you need diva receivers. I say he shouldn't be cut, because I think he would help Drake Maye and this offense and Josh McDaniels, because you would have a true viable guy that would set coverage. Right now, you still don't have a guy who sets coverage. I'm sorry.'
This situation puts Vrabel in a tough spot. He's trying to institute his culture as a new Patriots head coach, and cutting Diggs would send a message that you have to be "all in" as Zolak said. Yet the team also desperately needs Diggs' talent.
So, back to the original question.
Do you remember when Stefon Diggs was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL?
It's impossible to tell where Diggs goes from here. Maybe he can regain that 2020 form (and 2022 wasn't too shabby, either). You saw parts of the old Diggs last season in Houston where he finished with 496 yards in eight games.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Diggs was at the team's OTAs on Monday. So that's good news if you're the Patriots. Diggs wasn't there last week.
Something just seems off with Diggs. That doesn't mean it will stay that way. Maybe he can resuscitate his career. You'd have to think there's still something left. His success in Buffalo wasn't that long ago.
Because I still remember. Do you?
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