Former New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is still searching for a new team, and speculation is heating up about a potential move to the Kansas City Chiefs. During a recent appearance on Kay Adams' show, NFL insider James Palmer weighed in on the possibility, drawing comparisons to the Patriots' strategy of bringing in veteran players to complement their star quarterback.
Palmer noted that the Chiefs have often followed a similar path to the Patriots, bringing in older, experienced wide receivers to play alongside Patrick Mahomes. This approach has proven successful in the past, with players like Sammy Watkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster contributing to Kansas City's offensive firepower. Now, with questions lingering about the Chiefs' wide receiver room, Diggs could be the missing piece.
'Diggs to KC because of just where they're at,' Palmer said. 'I just think there's some question marks about that wide receiver room, and I don't know if they all entirely fit the way Patrick plays.' He went on to highlight the uncertainty surrounding Tyreek Hill's future, suggesting that the Chiefs might look to Diggs as a more immediate and reliable option.
The 2026 season brings added intrigue as Hill's status remains unclear after a massive injury. 'With Tyreek, there are people that are still curious, and there's a lot of unknowns whether he plays in 26 at all,' Palmer explained. 'That's why I would put Diggs in Kansas City because there's still a chance out there, honestly, that Tyreek Hill doesn't play in 2026.'
Stefon Diggs burst onto the NFL scene as a fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most dynamic receivers, known for his precise route-running, incredible sideline catches, and ability to create yards after the catch. During his time with the Vikings, Diggs formed a formidable duo with Adam Thielen, helping lead Minnesota to the NFC Championship game in 2017. His 'Minneapolis Miracle' catch against the New Orleans Saints remains one of the most iconic moments in playoff history.
In 2020, Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he reached new heights. He led the NFL in receiving yards (1,535) and receptions (127) that season, earning his first All-Pro selection and helping Josh Allen develop into an MVP candidate. Over four seasons in Buffalo, Diggs averaged over 1,200 yards per year, becoming the focal point of the Bills' high-powered offense. However, tensions with the organization reportedly grew, and after the 2024 season, he was traded to the New England Patriots.
Diggs' tenure in New England was short but impactful. In his sole season with the Patriots, he recorded 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, proving he still had elite production even at age 32. However, the Patriots underwent a major rebuilding phase, and Diggs became a free agent in March 2026. Now, at 33, he remains one of the most talented available receivers, though he is coming off a season that saw some decline in his deep-speed ability.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have a clear need at wide receiver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a free agent, Kadarius Toney has been inconsistent, and Skyy Moore has yet to live up to his second-round draft status. Rashee Rice, who showed promise as a rookie, has faced off-field legal issues and a recent knee surgery that could sideline him for the start of the season. In fact, Rice reportedly violated his parole with a positive marijuana test and will miss Chiefs OTAs while in jail. This further thins Kansas City's receiving corps, making a veteran addition like Diggs even more appealing.
Palmer's analysis draws a parallel between the Patriots' approach under Bill Belichick and the Chiefs' under Andy Reid. Both organizations have shown a willingness to acquire proven veterans on short-term deals, trusting them to adapt quickly to their systems. The Patriots famously brought in players like Randy Moss, Corey Dillon, and Darrelle Revis late in their careers, squeezing out productive seasons. The Chiefs have similarly benefited from additions like DeAndre Hopkins and Michael Thomas in recent years.
Diggs' skill set would seem to mesh well with Mahomes' playing style. Mahomes thrives on extending plays and throwing with anticipation, traits that complement a route-runner like Diggs who can separate from defenders and adjust to off-target throws. Additionally, Diggs' experience in high-pressure situations — including multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl appearance with the Bills — would be invaluable in a Chiefs locker room aiming for another championship.
However, there are potential obstacles. Diggs will likely command a contract in the range of $12–15 million per year, even at his age. The Chiefs are already tight against the salary cap, though they have shown a knack for creative restructuring. Also, Diggs has a strong personality, which has occasionally led to clashes with coaches and quarterbacks. While his time in Buffalo ended on rocky terms, his relationship with Mahomes would likely be smoother given Mahomes' leadership style.
The Washington Commanders are also in the mix for Diggs, offering a chance to reunite with Kliff Kingsbury's offense. But the Chiefs present a more immediate path to contention, which could sway Diggs' decision. With training camp approaching, a decision may come soon.
Beyond Diggs, the Chiefs could explore other options, including a potential trade for a younger receiver or drafting one in the upcoming supplementary draft. But given the uncertainty at the position and the desire to maximize Mahomes' prime years, adding a proven veteran like Diggs makes considerable sense.
In summary, the Stefon Diggs-to-Kansas City narrative is gaining traction as the Chiefs look to solidify their wide receiver depth. With Tyreek Hill's future uncertain and several young receivers struggling to step up, Diggs represents a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. As Palmer succinctly put it, 'That's why I would put Diggs in Kansas City.' Whether the Chiefs pull the trigger remains to be seen, but the logic behind the move is undeniable.
Source:Yahoo Sports News