Legal clearance for Stefon Diggs opens door to 2026 free agency

A jury at Dedham District Court in Massachusetts has found former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday following a two-day trial, relates to an alleged incident that occurred in December 2025 involving his former private chef, Jamila Adams. This acquittal effectively clears the way for the veteran wide receiver to enter the free agency market and sign with a new NFL team ahead of the 2026 season.

Prosecutors had alleged that Diggs entered Adams' bedroom and smacked her following a dispute over money owed, subsequently attempting to choke her when she tried to push him away. In contrast, defence attorneys argued that the assault never occurred, suggesting the conflict stemmed from relationship tensions or a disagreement over a planned trip to Miami. During the proceedings, defence witnesses testified that they noticed nothing unusual between Diggs and Adams on or around the day of the alleged incident.

The prosecution noted that Adams, described as a "sometimes lover" of Diggs, was not a "perfect witness." Defence counsel further challenged the credibility of the financial claims made by Adams, pointing to a lack of physical evidence to support the allegations of an assault. Diggs had pleaded not guilty in February, maintaining that the dispute was rooted in relationship dynamics rather than criminal intent.

This legal resolution follows the New England Patriots' decision to release Diggs earlier in the offseason. The move by the franchise was a strategic effort to manage salary cap space, clearing over $16 million and ending his contract after he played a key role in the team's 2026 Super Bowl run. Despite his departure from Foxborough, Diggs remains a significant figure in the league, having recorded 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns during his single season with the Patriots.

Analysts suggest that Diggs will draw significant free-agency interest given that his legal matter is now resolved and his consistent performance record. Since 2018, he has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark seven times, with the only exception being his brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024 where he appeared in just eight games. At 32 years old, his ability to maintain such output has proven that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Following the trial, one of Diggs' attorneys stated that any team signing him would be lucky to have him, expressing pleasure that Stefon would continue to play football in the National Football League. The verdict marks the end of the legal proceedings surrounding the December 2025 incident, allowing the veteran receiver to focus entirely on the upcoming season without the shadow of the court case.