7 months after Stefon Diggs' pink powder-yacht controversy, Shannon Sharpe makes feelings known on Patriots WR's leadership

In March, the New England Patriots signed WR Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal worth $63.5 million. However, he found himself in controversy even before taking to the field. In May, he had a lavish party on a boat with models and was seen passing around an unknown pink substance in a ziplock bag.

This put Stefon Diggs in a compromising situation, raising concerns about what the substance was and his fit into Patriots coach Mike Vrabel's culture. Seven months later, Shannon Sharpe has come forward to talk about the WR's leadership skills as a part of the team's offense.

"Stefon Diggs has been playing out of his mind," Sharpe said on Monday on "Nightcap." "You know what I love? I love Mike Vrabel had that conversation with him earlier in the year. Y'all doing all that stuff. He's like, 'Look that didn't why he brought you here for bro.' "He's been sensational. He's been unbelievable. ... Stef, congratulations bro. You've been playing out your damn mind. Whatever the incentives were in your contract bro, I hope you get every last one of them, cause you've been playing your a** off."

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After Stefon Diggs' boat incident, Mike Vrabel spoke on the situation during a press conference in May.

"Obviously, we want to make great decisions on and off the field, and we're hoping that with our time here on the field today, and when you don't have a script and we're on the call periods, that we're making great decisions," Vrabel said. "So the message will be the same for all the players. Try to make great decisions. Any conversation that I've had with Steffon will remain between him and I."

So far in 16 games, Diggs has tallied 970 yards and four touchdowns receiving. The Patriots have clinched the AFC East title with a 13-3 record and will be competing in this season's playoffs.

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Stefon Diggs has high praise for quarterback Drake Maye after the Patriots' Week 17 victory over the Jets

Stefon Diggs put up an impressive performance during their 42-10 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday. The wide receiver recorded 101 yards for one touchdown receiving on six receptions.

After the game, Diggs did not hesitate in heaping praise on second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He said that he did not expect him to be this good when he first arrived in New England.

"No, I did not," Diggs said. "He surprised all of us. I knew he was going to be good. But nah, I didn't know he was going to be this good. I'm just super proud of him. He approaches his game the right way man, and I look forward to seeing more."

Drake Maye's stats have been impressive, tallying 4,203 yards and 30 TDs passing this season. He is considered a contender for this season's MVP award.

The Patriots next face the Dolphins on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Edited by Priyam Hazarika