Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs, but trade rumors have already suggested obvious replacement WR

The New England Patriots and Stefon Diggs ended up being a pairing for just one year. They went to the Super Bowl together.

Now, though, Diggs is going to be gone, and the Pats will need a replacement.

The Diggs news emerged on Wednesday afternoon, and it wasn't hard to immediately jump to the many rumors that have been swirling linking the Patriots to one player in particular: A.J. Brown.

Here it is from Stefon Diggs, saying goodbye pic.twitter.com/B9vghq4ha2

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Brown isn't an automatic trade candidate this offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles, but it's a move that is certainly in play. He had a bumpy 2025 which included plenty of off-field drama as Brown found various ways to express displeasure with how often he was getting the football.

He still topped 1,000 yards even with the conflict, and he remains one of the most impressive athletes and receivers in the NFL to catch passes.

The Patriots certainly can't neglect WR. Drake Maye emerged in year two as a star quarterback, and he needs another number one wide receiver.

Already this offseason, the likes of ESPN and CBS Sports have both taken turns suggesting that Brown to the Patriots would be a good fit.

When Diggs was still under contract, it may not have made perfect sense.

Now with Diggs in line to be released at the start of the new league year, Brown would be ideal.

He'd have at least a few good years left in the tank with Maye, and he'd also get to embrace the positive energy of a fresh start.

There will be other candidates thrown out in the days and weeks ahead as replacements for Diggs.

None, barring a total shock, will be a more talented wideout than Brown.

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