As the 2025 NFL regular season enters its final stretch, the New England Patriots are already playoff bound. But even with a solid 12-3 record, individual storylines continue to surface, none bigger than the financial milestones quietly attached to Stefon Diggs’ contract. Following a series of roster moves this weekend, attention has turned to how close the veteran receiver is to unlocking major incentive bonuses.
A closer look at Stefon Diggs’ high-incentive deal
Diggs signed a three-year extension worth $63.5 million with the New England Patriots, and it incorporates performance-based incentives that could significantly increase his earnings in 2025. The structure is simple but demanding.Diggs can earn $500,000 for each receiving milestone he reaches at 70, 80, 90 and 100 catches. On the yardage side, an additional $500,000 is available at 1,000, 1,100, 1,200 and 1,300 receiving yards. All told, that’s up to $4 million on the table, not accounting for playoffs or team escalations.After Week 16, Diggs has 76 receptions for 869 yards and three touchdowns. He’s already secured the first $500,000 by crossing the 70-catch mark and now only needs four more receptions and 131 yards to unlock another $1 million before the end of the season.
Why workforce reshuffling is important
The Patriots’ recent decisions could subtly work in Diggs’ favor. Head coach Mike Vrabel placed wide receiver Mack Hollins on injured reserve and opted not to elevate a replacement to the practice squad. Instead, New England promoted several defensive players, a sign of confidence in its existing offensive core.This approach keeps Diggs firmly at the top of the receiving pecking order, especially with other pass catchers either hitting or operating in rotational roles. With two games remaining on the schedule, volume alone could put Diggs within reach of multiple incentives.Not everything has gone Diggs’ way this season. He’s already missed out on a $500,000 Pro Bowl bonus, and it’ll be tough to hit high-end receiving or yardage thresholds without a few explosive outs. Still, the most achievable incentives, 80 receptions and 1,000 yards, are very much in play.Diggs has also posted multiple 100-yard games this season, keeping an additional $500,000 bonus within striking distance if the Patriots lean on their passing game down the stretch.From the team’s perspective, the incentives align perfectly with winning the football. Feeding Diggs doesn’t disrupt the Patriots’ offensive rhythm; it improves it. As New England fine-tunes its roster ahead of the playoffs, Diggs’ bonus quest adds another layer of intrigue to otherwise routine end-of-season matchups.Read also: Marvin Harrison Jr. Injury Update: Cardinals WR Playing Today?
