Ranking Patriots best WR options in 2026 after Stefon Diggs release, from A.J. Brown to D.J. Moore

The New England Patriots made a significant move Wednesday, releasing Stefon Diggs after just one season with the team.

While the Patriots signed Diggs to a multi-year deal last offseason, the contract was team-friendly and allowed New England to get out of it this year. Diggs had a successful season, producing 1,013 receiving yards and helping the team reach the Super Bowl, but the Patriots decided to move forward without the 32-year-old.

As a result, New England now needs a new top wide receiver to pair with Drake Maye entering the 2026 season. Unlike last year, the Patriots are coming off an incredibly successful season and will be one of the most attractive landing spots for players this offseason.

Here’s a list of five wide receivers who make the most sense for New England.

MORE: Why did the Patriots release Stefon Diggs?

Patriots best WR options

5. D.J. Moore

D.J. Moore appears to be the odd man out in Chicago, so he could go from one up-and-coming quarterback to another. Moore had a career low in receiving yards last year but has yet to turn 30 and has four 1,000-yard seasons under his belt.

In 2026, Moore will begin a four-year, $110 million extension he originally signed with Chicago, so New England could acquire him for the next four seasons via trade.

4. Jauan Jennings

As the San Francisco 49ers dealt with injuries over the past two years, Jauan Jennings proved to be a reliable option in the passing game. While he has never surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, he is still just 28 years old and could take the next step as the focal point of an offense.

Jennings also brings a wealth of playoff experience, which could come in handy as the Patriots look to return to the Super Bowl.

3. Mike Evans

Mike Evans is on the backend of his career, but he still produces at a high level as he enters his 13th NFL season. It's very possible Evans opts to return to Tampa Bay, but in the event that he switches teams, the Patriots are the exact kind of team that would interest him.

Acquiring Evans would require New England to add another piece alongside him, but Evans could replace the veteran experience that Diggs brought to the team in 2025.

2. Alec Pierce

Alec Pierce is the most notable free agent wide receiver on the market, as the Indianapolis Colts star will have no shortage of suitors. By releasing Diggs, New England should have ample amount of cap space to offer Pierce a lucrative contract in the open market.

Pierce has never played in the playoffs and he has never been a true focal point of a passing offense, so there is a jump he has to make. However, the talent is there for Pierce to be the missing piece for the Patriots.

1. A.J. Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver is the biggest name available, and has been linked to the Patriots for a few months. Brown and New England head coach Mike Vrabel worked together with the Tennessee Titans, so there is familiarity between the two.