Stefon Diggs didn’t need a highlight-reel performance on Sunday Night Football to make history for himself — just three catches.
According to Sports Illustrated, the New England Patriots' wide receiver entered the Week 16 primetime matchup against the Baltimore Ravens sitting at 67 receptions on the season. Once Diggs hauled in his third catch of the night, he officially crossed the 70-catch threshold written into his contract, triggering a $500,000 incentive.
Diggs opened the game aggressively, securing a 26-yard contested grab over Ravens safety Alohi Gilman. Later in the first half, he beat cornerback Marlon Humphrey on a deep catch-and-run that pushed him past the incentive mark. Though he was briefly evaluated after rotating his right shoulder, Diggs returned and continued to be involved in the offense.
The bonus is just one piece of what has already proven to be a productive first season in New England for Diggs. After hitting free agency while rehabbing a torn ACL, Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million deal with the New England Patriots in April, including $22.6 million guaranteed and a $12 million signing bonus.
So far, the investment has paid off. Entering Week 16, Diggs led the Patriots in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, while ranking near the top of the team in touchdown catches. His role hasn’t always translated to high snap counts, but his impact — particularly on critical downs — has been clear.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels addressed Diggs’ fluctuating workload earlier in the week, pointing to overall offensive volume rather than individual performance.
“There’s a lot of guys that got fewer snaps on Sunday because we didn’t earn enough snaps in the game,” McDaniels said. “Stef’s done a great job.”
Diggs, for his part, has embraced the situation without public frustration.
“For real, like, just trying to get used to it,” he said. “I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I do get. And when I am out there, be a vessel. Be a positive force.”