(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots celebrates after defeating the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a big question mark on offense as two of their top pass-catchers may not return to the team in 2026, but they may have gotten an unexpected answer.
Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice faces a potential suspension after facing charges of domesti assault, while tight end Travis Kelce has not decided whether he will retire or return to the team. The Chiefs have been connected to some other big-name receivers in free agency, and a strong contender is about to hit the open market.
Chiefs Could Make a Run at Stefon Diggs
Reporter Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported on Wednesday that the New England Patriots were cutting ties with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
“The Patriots informed four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs they’re releasing him after the start of the league year next week, per sources,” Pelissero shared in a post on X.
The Chiefs were expected to be active in the wide receiver market, especially given the uncertainty of Rice facing a potential suspension. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus deemed receiver one of the biggest areas of need for the Chiefs this offseason.
“The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons, with the team’s lack of reliable options at pass-catcher not helping the charge,” Locker wrote. “Kansas City now faces a crossroads of what to do with various players at receiver and tight end.”
Locker noted that in addition to Kelce’s retirement decision, the Chiefs are also watching a trio of veterans head to free agency — Tyquan Thornton, Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
“Even the returning Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy aren’t sure bets, with both still having room to develop into consistent game-breakers,” Locker wrote. “The Chiefs will have to boost a group that produced the 21st-ranked receiving grade for Patrick Mahomes, although they won’t have much cap space to do so entering March with the lowest amount of any team.”
Stefon Diggs Could Be Top Prize for Chiefs
If the Chiefs aim to reload this offseason, Diggs could be a logical target. Karl Rasmussen of SI.com wrote that Diggs would immediately a top prize of free agency.
“Diggs immediately becomes one of the best free agents in the 2026 class,” Rasmussen wrote. “He’s recorded more than 1,000 yards in seven of his last eight seasons, and has five seasons with 100-plus catches under his belt. In terms of career-long production, only Evans can rival him among the other receivers on the market.”
Rasmussen noted that there would be some concerns too, including his age — Diggs will be 32 this season — and his recent history with injuries. That means Diggs would be a short-term addition, which could fit with Kansas City’s plan to jump back into Super Bowl contention in 2026.
“At 32, however, it could be more difficult for Diggs to find a team readily willing to sign him to a long-term contract, and he may wind up playing next season on a short-term deal,” Rasmussen wrote. “He likely won’t see the type of deal [Alec] Pierce is expected to sign, which could end up being in the range of $25 million annually.”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
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