Ian Rapoport forecasts ‘fascinating’ Patriots offseason

Patriots seeking to the long run: The Patriots’ decision to cut wide receiver Stefon Diggs has solely added to the ongoing speculation in regards to the staff’s offseason plans on the large receiver place.

Opting to maneuver on from the 32-year-old Diggs is notable itself, particularly after he turned the primary Patriots large receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 to cross the 1,000-yard receiving yards threshold within the 2025 season. Following the stories on Wednesday about Diggs, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport spoke in regards to the state of affairs.

“What the Patriots did is basically what the Patriots have executed for the final a number of many years, actually, as they transfer on perhaps a season too early relatively than a season too late,” he mentioned. “Stefon Diggs’s legal issues have been very a lot within the information earlier than the Tremendous Bowl. He additionally goes to be 33 years outdated, [was] additionally due some huge cash. The Patriots had some doubts about his availability or his play. His precise capability going ahead. They determined to maneuver on now.”

By reducing Diggs (who was heading into the second yr of a three-year deal), New England will create $16.8 million in further cap house. It provides to the substantial quantity of house that the Patriots already had. This, in Rapoport’s opinion, creates an much more intriguing dynamic for New England following Diggs’s exit.

“The opposite a part of that is what have they got up their sleeve?” Rapoport mentioned of the Patriots’ entrance workplace. “Wouldn’t be shocked if the Patriots ended up buying and selling for a large receiver. A.J. Brown…would definitely be the title to debate right here.

“He’s been with Mike Vrabel. They haven’t been shy about making some large strikes,” Rapoport defined. “I’d say what the New England Patriots have in retailer for us over the following week goes to be actually fascinating, whether or not they add to the receiver room or a giant piece someplace else, they now have type of cleared the decks wage cap-wise.”

The brand new league yr (and the start of NFL free company) begins on March 11 at 4 p.m.

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Patriots launched WR Stefon Diggs right this moment, clearing the deck for a attainable big-time acquisition. pic.twitter.com/lCuJJwcBYZ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026

Trivia: What fellow Professional Bowl receiver was A.J. Brown’s school teammate at Ole Miss?

(Reply on the backside).

Trace: He was drafted by the Seahawks in the identical spherical and the identical draft as Brown.

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics misplaced to the Hornets 118-89 on Wednesday. Boston will play the Mavericks on Friday at TD Backyard at 7 p.m.

The Bruins face the Predators in Nashville tonight at 8 p.m.

The Boston Fleet play the New York Sirens in Newark, New Jersey tonight at 7 p.m.

Extra from Boston.com:

Payton Tolle’s day: Although the Crimson Sox misplaced to the Yankees in a spring coaching sport on Wednesday, Payton Tolle seemed sharp in three innings of reduction. His fastball topped out at over 100 mph.

Payton Tolle racks up SEVEN punchouts over three scoreless frames for the @RedSox.

MLB’s No. 19 prospect reached 100.2 mph along with his 70-grade four-seamer within the outing. pic.twitter.com/a1WOqlX1sn

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 4, 2026

A Norwell miracle: From earlier this week, Norwell senior Nick Fein hit a half-court buzzer-beater to stun Swampscott. The win saved Norwell’s hopes alive of repeating as Division 3 state champs.

What an incredible ending! Nick Fein with the half courtroom buzzer beater to offer Norwell a 43-42 victory over Swampscott. The Clipper advance to the elite 8! pic.twitter.com/x6vrzJr9an

— Norwell HS Athletics (@ClipperAD) March 4, 2026

On at the present time: One yr in the past, Payton Pritchard (43 factors) and Derrick White (41 factors) each set profession highs in scoring throughout a 128-118 Celtics win over the Path Blazers.

Every day spotlight: William Osula scored an outrageous profitable objective for Newcastle United towards Manchester United on Wednesday.