Drake Maye reveals why Stefon Diggs is already winning hearts as an ‘awesome’ Patriots teammate

The New England Patriots are entering a new chapter, and one of the biggest moves of their transformative offseason was the acquisition of veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs. After suffering a torn ACL midway through the 2024 season, Diggs is gradually working his way back onto the field, but his presence is already being felt in Foxborough — both on and off the turf.

Why Drake Maye thinks Stefon Diggs is already proving to be an ‘awesome’ fit for Patriots

Though still in recovery mode, Diggs has been involved in recent on-field work and attending meetings with the team. His locker sits right beside rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and the two are quickly building a connection that could define the Patriots’ offense in the coming years.“Yeah, he seems like an awesome teammate,” Maye said after the first day of mandatory minicamp. “He’s my locker mate, one down from beside me.

We talk all the time. He’s a veteran in this league. He’s made a lot of plays, played in a lot of big-time games. Just an awesome voice for the receiver room, for this offense. He’s played in some playoff games. He’s had some big games.”

The 30-year-old Diggs is entering his 11th season in the NFL, bringing with him a résumé that includes six straight 1,000-yard seasons (2018–2023) before the injury, along with four consecutive 100-catch campaigns.

He may not be back to full speed yet, but his mentorship and football IQ are already proving invaluable for Maye and the team’s younger players.Maye, now preparing for his second year in the NFL, emphasized just how impactful Diggs’ leadership has been so far. “In the meetings, [he’s] asking questions, asking me after plays, ‘Hey, what should I have done there? Hey, in the past, I’ve done this when the guy’s playing this leverage,’ stuff like that,” Maye shared.

“He’s seen a lot of different things, played a long time in this league. It’s been great for me.”The Patriots' offense struggled mightily last season, finishing last in passing yards and second-to-last in touchdown passes. The front office responded with significant changes, hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach and making key roster additions like Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kendrick Bourne to support Maye’s growth.Diggs’ presence gives Maye a proven target — someone who not only can deliver on the field but also elevate the culture inside the locker room.

“Once he recovers, and he’s getting back out there, I’m looking forward to being able to throw him some footballs. It’s always good having a guy like that on your team,” Maye added.Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal to join the Patriots, and his veteran influence could be the spark that turns around a struggling offense. While videos of him enjoying offseason activities on a boat made social media waves, his focus now seems locked in on football and forming a bond with his young quarterback.If health permits and the chemistry continues to develop, the Diggs-Maye duo could quickly become the heartbeat of a retooled Patriots attack aiming to reestablish itself in the AFC.Also Read: Travis Kelce’s unusually strong bond with his nieces has fans questioning his future family plans with Taylor Swift