Saturday, May 2, 2026

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

Russell Wilson and Stefon Diggs agreed to deals with new teams Tuesday.

Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.

Dundon Pours Money Into Pickleball As He Cuts Blazers Spending

NBA fans have nicknamed the Blazers owner “El Cheapo.”
The sun rises on the backside as horses work with their riders at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026

Prediction Markets Finally Found a Sport They Can’t Offer

Here’s why you won’t see the Kentucky Derby on Kalshi or Polymarket.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Sep 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center.

Ariel Investments Sees a $1B Women’s Sports Team in the Next 5 Years

Like small-cap stocks, women’s sports teams have room to run.
exclusive
May 1, 2026

Mark Cuban Admits He Wanted to Buy Back Mavericks

“That’s just not the game anymore.”
May 1, 2026

Caitlin Clark Calls Out Indiana Fever Graphic Made With AI Tools

The NHL’s Jets and Blues also use AI in their content.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Tim Cook
exclusive
April 30, 2026

Seahawks Sale Watch: Zuckerberg, Cook Among Rumored Bidders

A source close to Apple denied Tim Cook’s interest.
April 29, 2026

Titans’ Post-Vrabel Shake-Up Continues With Chad Brinker’s Exit

Chad Brinker stepped down as president of football operations.
April 28, 2026

Diego Pavia Gets Ravens Deal As Steelers Wait on Aaron Rodgers

The Ravens signed the undrafted free agent from Vanderbilt.
April 26, 2026

Red Sox Fire Alex Cora, Five Coaches in FSG’s Biggest Test Yet

The John Henry-led FSG is facing its greatest challenge.