Deciphering the NFL’s offseason moves can often feel like a challenging puzzle, with team depth charts sometimes obscuring the true needs of a roster. This is particularly evident with the AFC champion New England Patriots, who recently made a surprising roster adjustment.
The Patriots decided to part ways with their leading wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, a move that cleared $6 million in salary-cap space. This decision leaves quarterback Drake Maye without a top-tier target, as Diggs had rebounded impressively from a 2024 ACL injury, recording 85 catches for 1,013 yards last season. Despite his on-field performance, Diggs has faced scrutiny over off-field issues, including a battery lawsuit, making his absence a complex loss for the team.
Rather than immediately seeking a replacement from the available pool of free-agent receivers, which boasts names like Tyreek Hill and Mike Evans, retired Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith has a different perspective on where the Patriots might focus their attention.
“I think the thing people aren’t paying attention to with New England is the tight end position,” remarked Smith, a potential Hall of Fame inductee and current NFL Network analyst, during a conversation with ESPN.
This suggestion might seem unexpected, especially considering the strong performance of veteran tight end Hunter Henry under coordinator Josh McDaniels last season, where Henry notched 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns. However, Smith’s insight suggests that the Patriots could be preparing to bolster their offense in a less anticipated area, potentially setting the stage for strategic developments in their lineup.
Such a suggestion could come as a surprise, given veteran tight end Hunter Henry’s success in coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense last season (60 catches, 768 yards, seven touchdowns).
The New England Patriots recently cut their leading wide receiver in Stefon Diggs (pictured)
Steve Smith envisions the Patriots focusing on tight ends rathern than a big-name receiver
But Smith appeared to recall McDaniels’ first stint in New England, when the offensive coordinator successfully paired Rob Gronkowski and the now-deceased Aaron Hernandez – both elite tight ends.
‘They may do some things that may shock some people,’ Smith continued. ‘It’s the history of the coordinator. Think about what Josh has always had in his offense.’
Given star cornerback Christian Gonzalez’s looming contract extension, which is expected to make him one of the highest-paid players at the position, the Patriots can’t splurge this offseason. But they do have nearly $60 million in cap space, which could allow for the addition of another tight end, as well as a few other acquisitions.
ESPN’s Patriots insider Mike Reiss named Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely and the Tennessee Titans’ Chig Okonkwo as two tight ends to keep an eye on when free agency opens next week.
Likely, 25, had 307 receiving yards and a touchdown on 27 catches across 14 games last season. A year earlier, he had a career-high 42 catches on 58 targets for 477 yards and six touchdowns.
Okonkwo, 26, was even more productive in Nashville, finishing the 2025 season with 56 catches for 560 yards and two touchdowns.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (left) puts an arm around tight end Isaiah Likely (right)
Chig Okonkwo finished the 2025 season with 56 catches for 560 yards and two touchdowns
There are also a number of options in the draft. While Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is expected to be taken before the Patriots select in the first round, other tight ends include Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers and the highly productive Max Klare out of Ohio State.
As for the possibility of Patriots acquiring outgoing Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown in a trade, Smith isn’t buying it. Not only would the Patriots have to surrender a high draft pick for Brown, but Smith would rather see New England develop its current group of wideouts.
‘It’s a really good young [receiver] core,’ Smith told ESPN. ‘The only way your young core really starts to develop is baptism by fire. Now I think they’re trying to figure out who can take the place of Diggs with the underneath stuff, which he exceled at.
‘Josh has always loved a guy that can carve up the defense in the short areas, and behind the line of scrimmage, almost like a run play. [Former Patriots receivers Danny] Amendola, Wes Welker. Then it turns into Diggs. He’s always had that in his offensive arsenal.’
The Patriots’ young receivers include fourth-year star Kayshon Boutte, 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III and a locker-room favorite in Mack Hollins.
New England currently has the 31st pick in the first round of next month’s NFL Draft. The team is widely believed to be focused on adding depth at defensive end or bringing in a new right tackle with a chance to replace the aging Morgan Moses, who is still slated to return in 2026.
