What Mike Vrabel ‘Loves’ About New Patriots Receiver Stefon Diggs

Mike Vrabel targeted a certain type of player during his first offseason as head coach of the New England Patriots.

And Stefon Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million deal to join the Patriots, fits the mold.

Vrabel certainly doesn’t see Diggs as a diva receiver, a perception that has started to follow the 10-year NFL veteran. So how does Vrabel view Diggs? In short, the receiver is a passionate football guy that Vrabel feels will serve the Patriots well.

“Stefon brings an energy to him,” Vrabel told reporters Monday from the annual NFL owners’ meetings, per team-provided video. “I think it’s fun that I coach players like that, guys that have a confidence to them, that understand the game of football, that have been around, that developed. This isn’t like a first-round draft pick. Stefon went later in the draft and continued to improve and has done that. Has been productive each and every year.”

Diggs has been one of the most productive pass-catchers in football during his career. Only Travis Kelce and Davante Adams have more receptions than him over the last decade while Diggs’ 10,491 yards receiving and 70 touchdown catches are sixth-best on the list.

Diggs did damage at the Patriots’ expense during his four-year run with the Buffalo Bills, in which he was named a Pro Bowler each season. And Diggs was on track for a seventh straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024 until a torn ACL in late October put an end to his campaign.

It’s unclear when Diggs will be on the field for the Patriots, but he’s optimistic about his recovery from the significant injury. The Patriots sure are glad to have him and what he brings to their team.

“I love his energy,” Vrabel said. “I love our conversations so far and looking forward to getting him back there and helping him recover from the surgery.”