Patriots' biggest offseason acquisition already called 'pain in the posterior'

Patriots' biggest offseason acquisition already called 'pain in the posterior' originally appeared on The Sporting News

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel appears to be losing patience with the team's biggest offseason acquisition, Stefon Diggs.

Vrabel was asked yesterday about Diggs' recent comments, in which the receiver refused to commit to playing in Week 1. Vrabel bristled at the question, asking the reporter, "Do you really think he was serious?"

That same reporter, NBC Sports Boston beat writer Phil Perry, suspects that Vrabel is growing tired of having to answer for Diggs' comments, as the receiver attempts to ramp up after offseason surgery to repair his ACL.

Patriots reporter @PhilAPerry on Stefon Diggs.

Per: @NBCSBoston

“There are little signs that he’s just becoming a bit of a pain in the posterior.”

"It all sort of adds up to, there's a lot going on with this guy for a guy who doesn't look like a No. 1 receiver anymore," 😳 pic.twitter.com/QGeLZnm42j

— Savage (@SavageSports_) August 15, 2025

At the start of training camp, Vrabel said Diggs passed a physical and received medical clearance for the first day of practice -- about eight months after tearing his ACL in Week 8 of last season with the Texans. The Pro Bowl receiver practiced on a limited basis throughout the spring. That's why it came as a surprise to Vrabel when Diggs questioned his own availability for games in September.

"I mean, I’m pushing the needle always," Diggs said. "I’m always doing more than less, and we’ll see about Week 1. I don’t know how I feel about it. We’ll see. The coaches aren’t too excited. I’m not too excited. I’m just trying to take it day by day, so we’ll see. We just don’t know where it’s gonna go."

After tallying just under 500 receiving yards in his lone season with the Texans, Diggs agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Patriots in March.

Diggs recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons with the Bills and Vikings leading up to his injury-shortened run with the Texans.

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