WR Stefon Diggs, NE (1 Viewer)

[TheWinz]

Current WR rankings from a few sites
FBG - WR33
ESPN - WR44
Fantasypros - WR45
Yahoo - WR46

Diggs has been a target hog on all 3 teams he's been on
MIN - 8.5 targets per start
BUF - 9.9 targets per start
HOU - 8.0 targets per start

Over the last 4 seasons (since the NFL went to 17 games), the average WR45 has 80 targets. Diggs will either have to miss a decent amount of games or be reduced to a 5 target per game guy to finish around WR45.

Well, it was recently reported that he’s likely to miss 4 games.

So what’s a 13 game Diggs look like as the WR1 (?) of the Patriots?

I roster him in 1 league. I was offered a 4th and 5th for him and declined it. I look at him like I look at Mike Williams in his return to the Chargers. Break glass in case of emergency bench depth.

In a perfect world I’ll never have to start either of them. But they’re better than “roster cloggers”. BYE week dart throws / WR6-7 types. They’re nice to roster when you have a need, but you’re really hoping they come out the gate hot so you can flip em to another team.

Neither is a dude I would target in dynasty unless they’re cheap. I did just give up a 31 y/o S in IDP for Mike Williams. He’ll likely die on my roster. And that’s ok, so long as I get a game out of him when I have 2 WR with hammy tweaks & 1 on the BYE.

I agree with the WR44-46 rankings. WR33 seems wildly optimistic, but I’m all-in if that happens. Immediately flip him to WR-needy team before he hurts [insert body part here]. He is the starting X WR for Herbert’s LAC. I can definitely see a hot early start bumping his value. You just have to hold your breath that every catch won’t be his last.

Diggs is a 31 year old diva recovering from a torn ACL, and NE knew this. NE staff still chose to give him lots of guaranteed $$. They must think he still has gas in the tank, and even if he misses a few games to start the season, if/when healthy, my guess is he will see about 7.5 targets per game. Yes, I know the low targets per game numbers for NE players for the last few years. But if Jakobi Meyers can get 7.4 per game in 2021 with Mac Jones, or Kendrick Bourne can get 6.9 per game with a combo of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, surely a player of Diggs caliber can get 7.5 with 2nd year QB Drake Maye, right?

13 games, 98 targets, 65 catches, 720 yards, 5 TD's = certainly a starter-worthy WR3 when he's on the field.

 

[Chaka]

Could be a pork pie for all we know.

Mmmmmmm...pork pie...

 

[menobrown]

Well, it was recently reported that he’s likely to miss 4 games.

FWIW it's actually 3 weeks but I think that info is mainly based on one beat writers guess(The Athletic), which seemed like a guess made without any intel provided by Diggs or the team, more like someone around here taking a stab at it. Whether it's right or wrong I'm not putting much stock in the "report".

Here is the exact sentence which was titled under a section called Best Case Scenario:

But for the true best-case scenario, Diggs has to come back from injury (maybe reasonably in Week 4) and be a reliable top target for Maye, the kind of guy a young quarterback can turn to behind a potentially shaky offensive line

Here was the worst case scenario for Diggs:

Diggs is 31 and is coming off a significant injury. He might deal with nagging effects from the ACL tear and never look like the guy he was before as his 32nd birthday looms during the season

All in all just speculation/guessing without any kind of intel right now IMO to make any kind of real definitive timeframe.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Well, it was recently reported that he’s likely to miss 4 games.

FWIW it's actually 3 weeks but I think that info is mainly based on one beat writers guess(The Athletic), which seemed like a guess made without any intel provided by Diggs or the team, more like someone around here taking a stab at it. Whether it's right or wrong I'm not putting much stock in the "report".

Here is the exact sentence which was titled under a section called Best Case Scenario:

But for the true best-case scenario, Diggs has to come back from injury (maybe reasonably in Week 4) and be a reliable top target for Maye, the kind of guy a young quarterback can turn to behind a potentially shaky offensive line

Here was the worst case scenario for Diggs:

Diggs is 31 and is coming off a significant injury. He might deal with nagging effects from the ACL tear and never look like the guy he was before as his 32nd birthday looms during the season

All in all just speculation/guessing without any kind of intel right now IMO to make any kind of real definitive timeframe.

Ah - appreciate the clarification. I actually heard it on Fox radio on Sunday on the way to my farmers market, and they probably heard it from this.

I’m cautiously optimistic.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

13 games, 98 targets, 65 catches, 720 yards, 5 TD's = certainly a starter-worthy WR3 when he's on the field.

I’d be beyond delighted to get that from Diggs.

 

[TheWinz]

13 games, 98 targets, 65 catches, 720 yards, 5 TD's = certainly a starter-worthy WR3 when he's on the field.

I’d be beyond delighted to get that from Diggs.

Just have to hope Diggs finds those numbers good enough too, or he may throw a tantrum.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

What’s strange is that about 3-4 weeks ago I’d read that he was running and cutting and ahead of schedule. I swear I saw a report that he’d be ready for OTAs.

 

[Football Jones]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/zolak-possibility-diggs-getting-cut-164004870.html

Zolak sure is acting confident ("not opinion, but knowledge"). It's not like he's a hot-take artist. Zolak is also saying it's not just the boat incident.

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on in New England?

 

[Mitchie]

What’s strange is that about 3-4 weeks ago I’d read that he was running and cutting and ahead of schedule. I swear I saw a report that he’d be ready for OTAs.

Think someone saw him coked up running to catch a boat cruise.

 

[Boston]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/zolak-possibility-diggs-getting-cut-164004870.html

Zolak sure is acting confident ("not opinion, but knowledge"). It's not like he's a hot-take artist. Zolak is also saying it's not just the boat incident.

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on in New England?

Agreed...Zolak is not a hot-take artist by any means...he is very well respected with "real" football people...if he is saying this it is because he has real info.

 

[JoeJoe88]

What’s strange is that about 3-4 weeks ago I’d read that he was running and cutting and ahead of schedule. I swear I saw a report that he’d be ready for OTAs.

Think someone saw him coked up running to catch a boat cruise.

There’s got to be an opportunity there for Diggs face to be put over DiCaprio’s from a scene from Wolf of Wall Street.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It's tough predicting recovery times and that's a big variable.

We've updated projections recently and he's our WR40.

One of the recent reports talking about maybe missing 4 games From Chad Graff: as @menobrown shared.

We got into it above, but the best-case situation involves Williams turning into a solid outside receiver who can put up at least 600 yards this season.

But for the true best-case scenario, Diggs has to come back from injury (maybe reasonably in Week 4) and be a reliable top target for Maye, the kind of guy a young quarterback can turn to behind a potentially shaky offensive line. Diggs may not be the All-Pro he was earlier in his career, but it was just two years ago that he totaled 1,183 yards for the Bills.

Graff is obviously close to the situation, but he's not the physician. Talking about a maybe reasonably week 4 is a soft prediction but that's as much as anyone can say right now. We should be getting clarity on the injury part in the near future depending on what work he's able to do.

In addition, we'll see what impact, if any, the boat incident will have.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Well, it was recently reported that he’s likely to miss 4 games.

Can you share the link for that? As always, links are super helpful. I've seen that from Chad Graff being careful to couch it with a "maybe" which is important. But you may have a different link.

Please everyone share links on stories like this.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Well, it was recently reported that he’s likely to miss 4 games.

Can you share the link for that? As always, links are super helpful. I've seen that from Chad Graff being careful to couch it with a "maybe" which is important. But you may have a different link.

Please everyone share links on stories like this.

i heard it on Fox sports radio last Sunday, so no, in fact I can’t share a link to my brain’s memory banks.


That said, someone posted the quote a few posts above. It was in the post right below the one you’re quoting here.

It seems the original story was “expected to return in week 4” so only 3 weeks.

I’m sure you can google it.

 

[Boston]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

 

[Soulfly3]

Who cares, Kyle Williams is NE's new WR1

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

 

[Boston]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

As I wrote in the Pats thread I definitely think that is on the table.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

As I wrote in the Pats thread I definitely think that is on the table.

Any idea what the financial impact the team would be in cutting him now? I remember he signed a large contract, but I don’t remember the exact terms or structure.

 

[TheWinz]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/zolak-possibility-diggs-getting-cut-164004870.html

Zolak sure is acting confident ("not opinion, but knowledge"). It's not like he's a hot-take artist. Zolak is also saying it's not just the boat incident.

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on in New England?

Agreed...Zolak is not a hot-take artist by any means...he is very well respected with "real" football people...if he is saying this it is because he has real info.

I'm confused. If it's not "just the boat incident" as the reason for this, then I absolutely place ALL the blame on NE staff for this. They knew exactly who they were getting in Diggs. It's like adopting a wild animal, then getting your feelings hurt when they bite you.

 

[Boston]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/zolak-possibility-diggs-getting-cut-164004870.html

Zolak sure is acting confident ("not opinion, but knowledge"). It's not like he's a hot-take artist. Zolak is also saying it's not just the boat incident.

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on in New England?

Agreed...Zolak is not a hot-take artist by any means...he is very well respected with "real" football people...if he is saying this it is because he has real info.

I'm confused. If it's not "just the boat incident" as the reason for this, then I absolutely place ALL the blame on NE staff for this. They knew exactly who they were getting in Diggs. It's like adopting a wild animal, then getting your feelings hurt when they bite you.

Can't disagree with that...unfortunately for the Pats they are in brutal shape at WR and once Godwin turned them down (as well as a few others) their options were very limited (especially since they had to go LT at #4)...they have rolled the dice with Diggs and it appears it did not take long for him to test them...as for the "other concerns" I have not heard any other chatter about that (actually the reporting on him has been very positive with regard to attacking his rehab) but I fully trust that Zolak would not bring that up unless it were true.

 

[Anarchy99]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

As I wrote in the Pats thread I definitely think that is on the table.

Any idea what the financial impact the team would be in cutting him now? I remember he signed a large contract, but I don’t remember the exact terms or structure.

IIRC, he got a $12M signing bonus and another $4.6M guaranteed.

 

[Boston]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

As I wrote in the Pats thread I definitely think that is on the table.

Any idea what the financial impact the team would be in cutting him now? I remember he signed a large contract, but I don’t remember the exact terms or structure.

I don't but pretty sure think there is a lot of smoke and mirrors with the figures in his deal...especially after year 1 but not sure about this situation.

 

[menobrown]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

As I wrote in the Pats thread I definitely think that is on the table.

Any idea what the financial impact the team would be in cutting him now? I remember he signed a large contract, but I don’t remember the exact terms or structure.

IIRC, he got a $12M signing bonus and another $4.6M guaranteed.

This is correct.

Walk away price is $16.6m.

 

[menobrown]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/zolak-possibility-diggs-getting-cut-164004870.html

Zolak sure is acting confident ("not opinion, but knowledge"). It's not like he's a hot-take artist. Zolak is also saying it's not just the boat incident.

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on in New England?

Agreed...Zolak is not a hot-take artist by any means...he is very well respected with "real" football people...if he is saying this it is because he has real info.

I'm confused. If it's not "just the boat incident" as the reason for this, then I absolutely place ALL the blame on NE staff for this. They knew exactly who they were getting in Diggs. It's like adopting a wild animal, then getting your feelings hurt when they bite you.

At the end of that article, after saying it’s not just the boat a few times, he says “are you all in”? I think that’s what he means and to be specific I’d assume beyond and above the boat they’ve not seen commitment from him.

I liked your last line on being upset when a wild animal bites you. But in NE’s defense he might have changed for the worst in just these few months since they signed him. He’s a fairly famous football player but dating a major star and living that kind of life is something else and perhaps making him take his eye off the ball.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

As far as what I have heard locally (i.e. take it for what it is because it is chatter...anyone who is saying they definitely know is BSing you as of right now)...expectation is he will miss the first 4 weeks but he appears to be pretty far ahead of schedule with what he is doing so there is hope (I repeat hope) he could be ready week 1...I guess the combo of Cardi B and pink cocaine is the new HGH.

Unless of course he’s cut, which is the new rumor posted above.

As I wrote in the Pats thread I definitely think that is on the table.

Any idea what the financial impact the team would be in cutting him now? I remember he signed a large contract, but I don’t remember the exact terms or structure.

IIRC, he got a $12M signing bonus and another $4.6M guaranteed.

This is correct.

Walk away price is $16.6m.

That’s a whole lot of scratch to cut a dude. Makes me skeptical it will happen.

 

[Dez]

Excellent signing if you are considering cutting him before he even plays a down

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Excellent signing if you are considering cutting him before he even plays a down

That’s just the news I look for when I trade for a dude.
(I got him pretty reasonably last year as a kick-in to a package for Josh Jacobs, but still…)

 

[Joe Bryant]

i heard it on Fox sports radio last Sunday, so no, in fact I can’t share a link to my brain’s memory banks.

Ok, In the future when you share something you heard, please note that it's somethig you heard and where you heard it. If you can remember.

Stuff heard is great. But it needs to be clearly said it was something heard. And where if possible.

Makes a massive difference in how much weight one assigns to things.

And again, I'm all for, "My buddy has a friend and he heard ________" or "I heard it on Sirius radio but can't remember what show". Those are all helpful. But everyone should put a different weight on "I heard this at the barbershop" compared to "here's the link to the actual story".

And to be clear, everyone should do this.

Or like @Anarchy99 above did, say IIRC if it's something you're trying to remember.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Ok, In the future when you share something you heard, please note that it's somethig you heard and where you heard it. If you can remember.

I did, just a few posts down.

Ahem

Ah - appreciate the clarification. I actually heard it on Fox radio on Sunday on the way to my farmers market, and they probably heard it from this.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Ok, In the future when you share something you heard, please note that it's somethig you heard and where you heard it. If you can remember.

I did, just a few posts down.

Ahem

Ah - appreciate the clarification. I actually heard it on Fox radio on Sunday on the way to my farmers market, and they probably heard it from this.

In the future

TIA. And this is for everyone.

This shouldn't be difficult. And save the "just google it". This is a high quality discussion board. Please share links or sources. That's basic.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And please let's get back on topic. Sorry for the derailment.

 

[Joe Bryant]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

Based on the signing bonus and guaranteed $, I give it 0.00% chance.

Not even mentioning the team needing a reliable target for their young QB, which is why they signed him in the 1st place.

Diggs is a good WR when healthy.

 

[Boston]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I think it is really tough to say because as far as I know no one (i.e. the general public) knows anything else negative other than the boat incident but IMO there is no way Zolak just throws out something for clicks or Talk Radio fodder...that is not who he is...the bottom-line is Vrabel is all-in on culture...he has been preaching it non-stop as he should because the Pats have been adrift since the last few years of BB...if there is other negative stuff swirling around Diggs he almost has to cut him because right now he has to play the long game...as much as the Pats could use Diggs they are not one player away from competing for a title and Vrabel has to practice what he preaches and I fully expect him to do so IF there is other stuff going on that he was concerned about before the boat incident became public...due to the unknown I put this at 50/50 right now.

 

[menobrown]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

Zolak is not alone, also Mike Giardi: https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com...diggs-plus-the-real-truth-about-qb-mentorship


I think it's incredibly hard to give odds but I'll try.

Will just say I think Diggs still has control over how this goes and ultimately it's how he responds going forward. Put another way I believe NE is still very much wanting to get him in line and this to work out, just guessing but feel like the "being cut is on the table" if is they can't get him to buy in to their satisfaction.

I'm going to go with 15% chance he's cut but add in another 10% chance he's traded so on the whole I'll go with 25% chance he's not on the roster.

 

[Biabreakable]

As a Vikings fan I love Diggs and wish him the best.

This stuff about him dating Cardi B (I did not know that) reminds me of this funny thing Brian Robison did.. 96 questions where he asks players who would they not want to date their sister and most of them said Diggs.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Will just say I think Diggs still has control over how this goes and ultimately it's how he responds going forward. Put another way I believe NE is still very much wanting to get him in line and this to work out, just guessing but feel like the "being cut is on the table" if is they can't get him to buy in to their satisfaction.

I'm going to go with 15% chance he's cut but add in another 10% chance he's traded so on the whole I'll go with 25% chance he's not on the roster.

I think this is a good take.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

0%

 

[Biabreakable]

"Nobody Want Me To Date They Sister?!": When Stefon Diggs Hilariously Became the Star of '96 Questions' Episode With Brian Robison

Since Stefon Diggs and the Buffalo Bills are getting their season started tonight, now is as good time as any to bring back one of the most iconic moments in NFL Social Media history.

thesportsrush.com

 

[Boston]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

Zolak is not alone, also Mike Giardi: https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com...diggs-plus-the-real-truth-about-qb-mentorship


I think it's incredibly hard to give odds but I'll try.

Will just say I think Diggs still has control over how this goes and ultimately it's how he responds going forward. Put another way I believe NE is still very much wanting to get him in line and this to work out, just guessing but feel like the "being cut is on the table" if is they can't get him to buy in to their satisfaction.

I'm going to go with 15% chance he's cut but add in another 10% chance he's traded so on the whole I'll go with 25% chance he's not on the roster.

I agree with this with one big caveat…was he already in this position prior to the boat incident…that is the big unknown in all of this and why I put the odds at 50/50.

 

[Anarchy99]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I have a different possibility. I think there is a decent chance that this is being orchestrated by NE. Meaning they are unlikely to move off of Diggs and hand him $16M. But it makes Vrabel look like he’s a no non-sense guy, and it sends a clear message to the entire locker room that no one is safe and they all need to buy in. Have someone internal talk up some stuff to Zolak . . . not one of the beat guys or national guys, and that makes it stand out even more. I don’t see scenario the Kraft’s signing off on throwing all that money away (at least based on what’s out there so far). There would have to be a major story and transgressions that have not come out yet for that to get any serious consideration IMO. They probably reviewed all the outcomes and actions available to them (but as I said, I don’t think releasing him is anywhere near the top of the list). Probably a non-zero chance, but not a very high one. Remember, they really wanted to keep Antonio Brown, but ultimately the optics would have been terrible if they kept him. If Diggs is in that sort of situation (ie criminal investigation, DV, drug charges, etc.) that would change my opinion.

 

[Joe Bryant]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I have a different possibility. I think there is a decent chance that this is being orchestrated by NE. Meaning they are unlikely to move off of Diggs and hand him $16M. But it makes Vrabel look like he’s a no non-sense guy, and it sends a clear message to the entire locker room that no one is safe and they all need to buy in. Have someone internal talk up some stuff to Zolak . . . not one of the beat guys or national guys, and that makes it stand out even more. I don’t see scenario the Kraft’s signing off on throwing all that money away (at least based on what’s out there so far). There would have to be a major story and transgressions that have not come out yet for that to get any serious consideration IMO. They probably reviewed all the outcomes and actions available to them (but as I said, I don’t think releasing him is anywhere near the top of the list). Probably a non-zero chance, but not a very high one. Remember, they really wanted to keep Antonio Brown, but ultimately the optics would have been terrible if they kept him. If Diggs is in that sort of situation (ie criminal investigation, DV, drug charges, etc.) that would change my opinion.

Thanks. Do you think Zolak is that kind of guy who'd be played like that?

 

[Joe Bryant]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I think it is really tough to say because as far as I know no one (i.e. the general public) knows anything else negative other than the boat incident but IMO there is no way Zolak just throws out something for clicks or Talk Radio fodder...that is not who he is...the bottom-line is Vrabel is all-in on culture...he has been preaching it non-stop as he should because the Pats have been adrift since the last few years of BB...if there is other negative stuff swirling around Diggs he almost has to cut him because right now he has to play the long game...as much as the Pats could use Diggs they are not one player away from competing for a title and Vrabel has to practice what he preaches and I fully expect him to do so IF there is other stuff going on that he was concerned about before the boat incident became public...due to the unknown I put this at 50/50 right now.

Thanks. That's higher than I was thinking but good insight. And from your screen name, I'm assuming Patriots are your team.

In one way, I can see it as a dramatic maybe wild but just might work shot across the bow for Vrabel to cement the "Nobody bigger than the team" thing. That's a VERY expensive shot across the bow though. I'd think a ton of that would depend on how Diggs is perceived in the locker room. It'll be much easier if tons of players resent or don't like him for some reason. Much tougher if he's everyone's buddy.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I have a different possibility. I think there is a decent chance that this is being orchestrated by NE. Meaning they are unlikely to move off of Diggs and hand him $16M. But it makes Vrabel look like he’s a no non-sense guy, and it sends a clear message to the entire locker room that no one is safe and they all need to buy in. Have someone internal talk up some stuff to Zolak . . . not one of the beat guys or national guys, and that makes it stand out even more. I don’t see scenario the Kraft’s signing off on throwing all that money away (at least based on what’s out there so far). There would have to be a major story and transgressions that have not come out yet for that to get any serious consideration IMO. They probably reviewed all the outcomes and actions available to them (but as I said, I don’t think releasing him is anywhere near the top of the list). Probably a non-zero chance, but not a very high one. Remember, they really wanted to keep Antonio Brown, but ultimately the optics would have been terrible if they kept him. If Diggs is in that sort of situation (ie criminal investigation, DV, drug charges, etc.) that would change my opinion.

I agree - this occurred to me. Like “who’s leaking that they might cut him”

Googling around I see that made it not only to this dude but also the NY Post, who seems to be everyone’s preferred outlet for leaking stuff.

Certainly could be a motivational tactic.

 

[Boston]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I think it is really tough to say because as far as I know no one (i.e. the general public) knows anything else negative other than the boat incident but IMO there is no way Zolak just throws out something for clicks or Talk Radio fodder...that is not who he is...the bottom-line is Vrabel is all-in on culture...he has been preaching it non-stop as he should because the Pats have been adrift since the last few years of BB...if there is other negative stuff swirling around Diggs he almost has to cut him because right now he has to play the long game...as much as the Pats could use Diggs they are not one player away from competing for a title and Vrabel has to practice what he preaches and I fully expect him to do so IF there is other stuff going on that he was concerned about before the boat incident became public...due to the unknown I put this at 50/50 right now.

Thanks. That's higher than I was thinking but good insight. And from your screen name, I'm assuming Patriots are your team.

In one way, I can see it as a dramatic maybe wild but just might work shot across the bow for Vrabel to cement the "Nobody bigger than the team" thing. That's a VERY expensive shot across the bow though. I'd think a ton of that would depend on how Diggs is perceived in the locker room. It'll be much easier if tons of players resent or don't like him for some reason. Much tougher if he's everyone's buddy.

My guess is the "everybody's buddy" does not matter because he really hasn't played for them yet...I think many are not understanding what is most important here...it is not Diggs it is Vrabel...if this was a one-off incident I think they deal with the headache and move on...not optimal but he gets his one-strike and they move on...it's the NFL and no one will really care the second he makes his first catch in a Patriots uni (which is exactly what I am rooting for as a Patriots fan)...as I keep saying everyone is guessing but until we know what this "other stuff" is (and if Zolak says it I 100% believe there is more going on and Zolak is not gonna be used in some type of team-ploy...I find that to be a foolish angle quite honestly)...if there have been issues and Vrabel has already warned him that takes things to a totally different level and not to be overly dramatic but Vrabel risks his credibility which I believe is one of his biggest strengths...the Pats locker-room needed to be fumigated after the past few years and Vrabel has been aggressive doing so this offseason...he is not going to piss that all away for a 31 year old Stefon Diggs if there is in-fact something else going on here...and I have no clue that there is like everyone else here.

 

[Anarchy99]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I have a different possibility. I think there is a decent chance that this is being orchestrated by NE. Meaning they are unlikely to move off of Diggs and hand him $16M. But it makes Vrabel look like he’s a no non-sense guy, and it sends a clear message to the entire locker room that no one is safe and they all need to buy in. Have someone internal talk up some stuff to Zolak . . . not one of the beat guys or national guys, and that makes it stand out even more. I don’t see scenario the Kraft’s signing off on throwing all that money away (at least based on what’s out there so far). There would have to be a major story and transgressions that have not come out yet for that to get any serious consideration IMO. They probably reviewed all the outcomes and actions available to them (but as I said, I don’t think releasing him is anywhere near the top of the list). Probably a non-zero chance, but not a very high one. Remember, they really wanted to keep Antonio Brown, but ultimately the optics would have been terrible if they kept him. If Diggs is in that sort of situation (ie criminal investigation, DV, drug charges, etc.) that would change my opinion.l

Thanks. Do you think Zolak is that kind of guy who'd be played like that?

Zolak talks about things he’s heard on his radio show all the time. Some things have more legs than others. I remember times where he said a big trade was going down any minute and none were made. There were other times things he brought up didn’t materialize (changes in personnel, injuries, signings, etc.) That doesn’t mean there weren’t discussions about it or he was necessarily wrong, only that some of those things didn’t end up happening.

I don’t think he usually would be the first source of information for a major story, which is part of the reason I find this situation a little surprising. Put another way, he’s not really positioned to be a news breaker, and I think there are other guys that would have been on this before him. Like I said, internally, I think NE has discussed how to handle things with Diggs and potential outcomes. But I think things would really need to escalate to get to the point where they would have more serious discussions about moving on from him. Short of some shocking revelations that we have no knowledge of right now, I don’t think they are seriously considering moving on from him . . . AS THINGS STAND NOW.

 

[Joe Bryant]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I have a different possibility. I think there is a decent chance that this is being orchestrated by NE. Meaning they are unlikely to move off of Diggs and hand him $16M. But it makes Vrabel look like he’s a no non-sense guy, and it sends a clear message to the entire locker room that no one is safe and they all need to buy in. Have someone internal talk up some stuff to Zolak . . . not one of the beat guys or national guys, and that makes it stand out even more. I don’t see scenario the Kraft’s signing off on throwing all that money away (at least based on what’s out there so far). There would have to be a major story and transgressions that have not come out yet for that to get any serious consideration IMO. They probably reviewed all the outcomes and actions available to them (but as I said, I don’t think releasing him is anywhere near the top of the list). Probably a non-zero chance, but not a very high one. Remember, they really wanted to keep Antonio Brown, but ultimately the optics would have been terrible if they kept him. If Diggs is in that sort of situation (ie criminal investigation, DV, drug charges, etc.) that would change my opinion.l

Thanks. Do you think Zolak is that kind of guy who'd be played like that?

Zolak talks about things he’s heard on his radio show all the time. Some things have more legs than others. I remember times where he said a big trade was going down any minute and none were made. There were other times things he brought up didn’t materialize (changes in personnel, injuries, signings, etc.) That doesn’t mean there weren’t discussions about it or he was necessarily wrong, only that some of those things didn’t end up happening.

I don’t think he usually would be the first source of information for a major story, which is part of the reason I find this situation a little surprising. Put another way, he’s not really positioned to be a news breaker, and I think there are other guys that would have been on this before him. Like I said, internally, I think NE has discussed how to handle things with Diggs and potential outcomes. But I think things would really need to escalate to get to the point where they would have more serious discussions about moving on from him. Short of some shocking revelations that we have no knowledge of right now, I don’t think they are seriously considering moving on from him . . . AS THINGS STAND NOW.

Thanks. That makes sense.

 

[Joe Bryant]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I think it is really tough to say because as far as I know no one (i.e. the general public) knows anything else negative other than the boat incident but IMO there is no way Zolak just throws out something for clicks or Talk Radio fodder...that is not who he is...the bottom-line is Vrabel is all-in on culture...he has been preaching it non-stop as he should because the Pats have been adrift since the last few years of BB...if there is other negative stuff swirling around Diggs he almost has to cut him because right now he has to play the long game...as much as the Pats could use Diggs they are not one player away from competing for a title and Vrabel has to practice what he preaches and I fully expect him to do so IF there is other stuff going on that he was concerned about before the boat incident became public...due to the unknown I put this at 50/50 right now.

Thanks. That's higher than I was thinking but good insight. And from your screen name, I'm assuming Patriots are your team.

In one way, I can see it as a dramatic maybe wild but just might work shot across the bow for Vrabel to cement the "Nobody bigger than the team" thing. That's a VERY expensive shot across the bow though. I'd think a ton of that would depend on how Diggs is perceived in the locker room. It'll be much easier if tons of players resent or don't like him for some reason. Much tougher if he's everyone's buddy.

My guess is the "everybody's buddy" does not matter because he really hasn't played for them yet...I think many are not understanding what is most important here...it is not Diggs it is Vrabel...if this was a one-off incident I think they deal with the headache and move on...not optimal but he gets his one-strike and they move on...it's the NFL and no one will really care the second he makes his first catch in a Patriots uni (which is exactly what I am rooting for as a Patriots fan)...as I keep saying everyone is guessing but until we know what this "other stuff" is (and if Zolak says it I 100% believe there is more going on and Zolak is not gonna be used in some type of team-ploy...I find that to be a foolish angle quite honestly)...if there have been issues and Vrabel has already warned him that takes things to a totally different level and not to be overly dramatic but Vrabel risks his credibility which I believe is one of his biggest strengths...the Pats locker-room needed to be fumigated after the past few years and Vrabel has been aggressive doing so this offseason...he is not going to piss that all away for a 31 year old Stefon Diggs if there is in-fact something else going on here...and I have no clue that there is like everyone else here.

I think I understand though it's both. Yes, it would be a statement from Vrabel. But it's not in a vacuum. Diggs has a role. Will be interesting to see.

I have seen lots of organizations personally where sometimes removing a talented but problematic person is a big plus in the overall. No idea if that applies here. But it's something I've seen often.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

For the "being cut is on the table" from Zolak, assuming nothing more or terrible comes out on the boat stuff, what % chance do you think he's cut?

"Being on the table" is a wide range.

I have a different possibility. I think there is a decent chance that this is being orchestrated by NE. Meaning they are unlikely to move off of Diggs and hand him $16M. But it makes Vrabel look like he’s a no non-sense guy, and it sends a clear message to the entire locker room that no one is safe and they all need to buy in. Have someone internal talk up some stuff to Zolak . . . not one of the beat guys or national guys, and that makes it stand out even more. I don’t see scenario the Kraft’s signing off on throwing all that money away (at least based on what’s out there so far). There would have to be a major story and transgressions that have not come out yet for that to get any serious consideration IMO. They probably reviewed all the outcomes and actions available to them (but as I said, I don’t think releasing him is anywhere near the top of the list). Probably a non-zero chance, but not a very high one. Remember, they really wanted to keep Antonio Brown, but ultimately the optics would have been terrible if they kept him. If Diggs is in that sort of situation (ie criminal investigation, DV, drug charges, etc.) that would change my opinion.l

Thanks. Do you think Zolak is that kind of guy who'd be played like that?

Zolak talks about things he’s heard on his radio show all the time. Some things have more legs than others. I remember times where he said a big trade was going down any minute and none were made. There were other times things he brought up didn’t materialize (changes in personnel, injuries, signings, etc.) That doesn’t mean there weren’t discussions about it or he was necessarily wrong, only that some of those things didn’t end up happening.

I don’t think he usually would be the first source of information for a major story, which is part of the reason I find this situation a little surprising. Put another way, he’s not really positioned to be a news breaker, and I think there are other guys that would have been on this before him. Like I said, internally, I think NE has discussed how to handle things with Diggs and potential outcomes. But I think things would really need to escalate to get to the point where they would have more serious discussions about moving on from him. Short of some shocking revelations that we have no knowledge of right now, I don’t think they are seriously considering moving on from him . . . AS THINGS STAND NOW.

Yeah, I mean like a failed drug test or something would probably be bad.

That pic is a bad look, but it’s not like he got busted with drugs by the popo.

While it’s not the North Dallas 40 cowboys, it seems like the NFL teams won’t take much disciplinary action without someone being caught red-handed.

that’s my opinion only, but I agree with your take here.