Diggs to Patriots, Wilson to Giants in Late NFL Free Agency Moves

Two veteran former Pro Bowlers agreed to deals with new teams Tuesday night.

According to multiple reports, quarterback Russell Wilson agreed to a contract with the Giants, while wide receiver Stefon Diggs agreed to a deal with the Patriots. 

Wilson’s deal is reportedly worth up to $21 million for one year, with $10.5 million guaranteed. Diggs’ is for three years and worth up to $69 million with $26 million guaranteed.

Both players found themselves without a home following a busy opening week to the NFL’s free agency period that kicked off on March 12. While the two players have combined for 14 Pro Bowl appearances (Wilson with 10, Diggs with four), both are considered to be past the primes of their careers. Wilson and Diggs share the same birthday and will turn 37 and 32 years old, respectively, on Nov. 29.

Money to Burn

Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are likely on the hot seat after two losing seasons and the failed four-year, $160 million Daniel Jones contract. New York is now tasked with finding a new signal-caller, and Wilson, a Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowler, represented one of the best available short-term options. The Giants also signed veteran Jameis Winston to a reported one-year deal late last week after exiting the first week of free agency with only one quarterback, Tommy DeVito, under contract. 

New York currently owns the No. 3 overall pick in next month’s draft and could take a quarterback there or take one in the later rounds. The Giants, who entered Tuesday with more than $18 million in cap space (per Spotrac), have eight total picks, including four in the first three rounds.

The Patriots entered the 2025 league year with more than $127 million in salary cap space, and despite handing out lucrative multiyear contracts to defensive lineman Milton Williams (four years, up to $104 million), cornerback Carlton Davis (three years, $54 million) and several others, they entered Tuesday with more than $80 million in cap space for the 2025 season, per Spotrac. 

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of potential during his rookie season—he passed for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and tossed 10 interceptions—but needs a stronger supporting cast. The Patriots, who finished with a 4–13 record in 2024, reportedly pursued several top wide receivers, including Brandon Aiyuk last offseason and DK Metcalf and Chris Godwin earlier this spring, but were reportedly turned down by all three. 

Diggs is coming off an ACL tear suffered in Week 8 of last season but does have deep familiarity with the AFC East—and specifically with five-time reigning division champion Buffalo.