Drake Maye reacts with subtle message after Patriots release Stefon Diggs, sparks curiosity about locker room reaction and team future

The New England Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs came as a surprise, especially after the team’s deep postseason run and his strong connection with quarterback Drake Maye. Less than a month removed from their Super Bowl LX appearance against the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots have already begun reshaping the roster. The decision signals a financial reset more than a performance issue, even though Diggs finished as the team’s top wide receiver in 2025.New England’s season ended with a 29–13 loss in San Francisco, yet the bigger picture looked promising. First-year head coach Mike Vrabel guided the team to a 14–3 record, an NFL playoff surge, and an AFC East title. Maye, in his second year, looked poised and confident running the offense. Diggs played a central role in that success, which made Wednesday’s news feel abrupt for fans and teammates alike.The move was largely about the salary cap. Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million deal last offseason, but the structure made the second year far more expensive. His cap number was set to jump from $10.5 million to $26.5 million in 2026. By releasing him before the new league year begins, the Patriots save roughly $16.8 million.Timing mattered too. Had Diggs remained on the roster into next week, another $6 million of his salary would have become fully guaranteed. Making the decision now gives New England flexibility as free agency approaches.Still, the departure leaves a major gap in the receiving corps. Diggs was the only Patriots wideout to top 1,000 receiving yards last season. Replacing that production will not be easy, especially for a young quarterback still developing chemistry with his targets.Maye’s reaction on Thursday morning was brief but telling. The quarterback posted a photo of himself and Diggs on Instagram, tagging the receiver and adding a heart emoji. It was a simple gesture, but it reflected the respect built during their one season together.Their mutual praise throughout the year showed just how strong the connection had become. After a December win over the Baltimore Ravens, Diggs spoke highly of his quarterback."We got Drake Maye. Drake Maye is a hell of a quarterback," Diggs said. "I feel like he approaches this game like a young... blank. I don't wanna say his name."The unspoken comparison was clear. Many around the team heard echoes of Tom Brady in the remark.Maye was equally appreciative after the Super Bowl loss."I think he's just been a great force this year," Maye said. "I can't say enough about what he's done for us, what he's done for this team and what he's proved to himself. I think I saw him say something about that, proving to himself the player he is and how he can still be a big-time player in this league, and he showcased that."Diggs entered the season coming off an ACL injury, and expectations were uncertain. Yet he delivered when the Patriots needed him."He's got a lot of juice left in the tank, and he told me the other day he's got a chance to really work on his craft in the offseason," Maye continued. "He really didn't have a chance last offseason coming from an injury, so he's got a chance to get back and working and just trying get whatever's left in his body. I know there's some left, and I'm looking forward to getting a chance to hopefully throw him some more passes and watch [No.] 8 go."That reunion will not happen in New England. But the Patriots now enter the offseason with cap space and urgency, knowing their young quarterback still needs a reliable target on the outside.