Vrabel: Patriots like Diggs' playstyle, attitude
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel shed some light on what the team expects from newly signed wideout Stefon Diggs when he takes the field alongside young quarterback Drake Maye.
"Just trying to make sure we're supporting Drake and supporting the football team," Vrabel said Thursday on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast. "And, again, this is a highly competitive, confident receiver that's produced throughout his career in multiple ways, playstyle, right?"
Vrabel touted Diggs' route running and physicality, along with the intangibles he'll bring to New England.
"There's a playstyle to him that I've always appreciated and that we want to continue to enhance and make sure that he's doing things that help us. But it's just his conversation, his demeanor, his attitude, and his presence have been great through our conversations," Vrabel said.
The Patriots signed Diggs to a reported three-year, $69-million deal with $26 million guaranteed earlier this week. He's joining a New England offense that ranked dead last in passing yards (2,995) and second last in passing touchdowns (18) in 2024.
Diggs said during his introductory press conference Friday that Vrabel was a "big draw" for him to sign with the Patriots because the coach is a former player, per MassLive's Mark Daniels.
He also said he's excited to play alongside Maye, whom he described as "fiery," according to The Boston Globe's Ben Volin.
Diggs acknowledged that he'd gotten in trouble at times for his competitiveness earlier in his career but said it now gives him focus, according to Daniels.
The 31-year-old tore his ACL in his lone season with the Houston Texans last year but was on pace for his seventh straight 1,000-yard campaign. He had 47 receptions for 496 yards and four total touchdowns in eight games with Houston.
Diggs said Friday that he's ahead of schedule in his ACL recovery.
He previously spent four seasons with the rival Buffalo Bills, where he was selected to four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. Diggs began his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Patriots also signed former Bills receiver Mack Hollins earlier this offseason. Hollins and Diggs join a wide receiver corps that includes DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne, among others.