A recent video showing New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs holding a pink substance while on a yacht has sparked controversy and speculation in the NFL world. While some believe the substance could potentially be illegal, head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots organization have responded cautiously, emphasizing the importance of making good decisions on and off the field.
Patriots React to Stefon Diggs Boat Video
Following the release of the video, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the situation, stating, “We want our players making good decisions here in this organization.” The incident has fueled speculation in New England and beyond about whether the Patriots might consider cutting ties with Diggs—despite his recent signing.
The buzz gained traction as long-time team reporters, including Mike Giardi, suggested that while cutting Diggs wouldn’t be entirely shocking, it would require navigating a complex series of financial and contractual hurdles.
Diggs’ Contract Gives the Patriots Options
When the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason, the deal was initially reported as a three-year, $69 million contract. However, the contract structure offers the team significant flexibility, particularly given Diggs’ ongoing recovery from a surgically repaired ACL.
According to sources familiar with the contract details:
- The full guarantees in Diggs’ deal are limited.
- The contract requires Diggs to pass a physical—including evaluation of his ACL—in order to fully trigger all financial guarantees.
- The Patriots have already paid $4 million of a $12 million signing bonus, with additional payments scheduled for later in the year.
If Diggs ultimately fails his physical, the Patriots could technically void most of the contract and seek to recoup a portion of the signing bonus already paid.
Conduct Clause Adds Another Layer — But Hard to Enforce
In addition to the injury-related provisions, Diggs’ contract reportedly includes a conduct clause that prohibits illegal, unlawful, or immoral behavior. In theory, the video involving the pink substance could be cited under this clause. However, according to NFL contract experts, it would be extremely difficult for the Patriots to prove that Diggs engaged in illegal activity based solely on the video footage.
Without definitive proof or failed drug tests, pursuing contract termination through the conduct clause appears unlikely.
Patriots’ History with Similar Situations
The Patriots have dealt with off-field controversies before. Most notably, they signed Antonio Brown to a one-year, $9 million deal in 2019, only to release him a week later amid legal issues. After filing a grievance, the Patriots recovered $4 million of Brown’s signing bonus but still paid $5 million.
That experience may factor into how the organization handles the current situation with Diggs.
Why Cutting Diggs May Be Unlikely — For Now
Despite the controversy, Diggs remains one of the few true No. 1 wide receivers on the Patriots roster—a position the team has struggled to fill in recent years. New England unsuccessfully pursued receivers like Chris Godwin, Brandon Aiyuk, and Calvin Ridley before ultimately landing Diggs.
With a young receiving corps that includes rookies and developing players like Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Kayshon Boutte, Diggs was brought in to serve as a leader both on and off the field.
According to reports, Diggs has been training hard during his recovery and is believed to be ahead of schedule. While the boat video has clearly frustrated the organization, the expectation is that the Patriots will keep Diggs on the roster for now, emphasize their expectations for off-field conduct, and monitor his recovery.
Short-Term Commitment Gives Patriots Flexibility
Although the deal was initially reported as a three-year contract, the structure allows the Patriots to reassess Diggs’ status year-to-year. If necessary, the team could move on after just one season without facing severe long-term salary cap consequences.
What Happens Next?
For now, all signs point to the Patriots retaining Stefon Diggs as he continues his recovery and prepares for the 2025 NFL season. However, both the team and the player know that any further off-field incidents could significantly change that outlook. Mike Vrabel’s no-nonsense approach, combined with the team’s contractual leverage, gives the Patriots plenty of control over how this situation ultimately plays out.
