Can Stefon Diggs return to the NFL after not guilty verdict?

The door to an NFL return may have just reopened for Stefon Diggs, but whether he actually walks through it is far more complicated.

A jury in Boston found the former New England Patriots wide receiver not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges stemming from a December 2025 incident involving his private chef. The verdict brings legal clarity to a case that had cast serious doubt over Diggs’ future in the league.

But after all this drama, will an NFL team take a chance on him?

What Stefon Diggs’ verdict means

Diggs had pleaded not guilty from the start, and his legal team maintained throughout the trial that the allegations were unfounded. After a two-day proceeding, the jury agreed, clearing him of all charges.

The case centered on accusations that Diggs assaulted and choked his former live-in chef during a dispute at his Massachusetts home. Prosecutors relied heavily on her testimony, while the defense challenged her credibility and pointed to a lack of physical evidence and conflicting accounts from other witnesses.

In the end, the not guilty verdict removes the most immediate barrier to Diggs continuing his career. But it doesn’t automatically restore his standing in the NFL.

Why Diggs is still a question mark

Even before the verdict, Diggs’ football future was uncertain. The Patriots released him in March, a move that came as the legal situation was still unresolved. Around the league, teams tend to avoid players facing serious charges, not just because of potential discipline, but due to public perception and locker room impact.

Now that the legal process has concluded, that calculus changes, but only partially. The NFL still has the authority to review the situation under its personal conduct policy. Even in cases that do not result in convictions, the league has previously issued suspensions based on its own investigations. That means Diggs may not be entirely in the clear yet.

From a purely on-field perspective, Diggs should draw interest. He remains one of the most productive receivers of his era, with seven 1,000-yard seasons and a reputation as a high-level route runner and reliable target. Even late in his career, he proved he could still produce at a high level, including during his stint in New England catching passes from quarterback Drake Maye.

For teams in need of veteran help at wide receiver, the upside is obvious. But so is the risk. On one hand, the legal system has cleared him. On the other, teams must weigh optics, potential league discipline, and how his presence might affect their roster.

For some organizations, particularly contenders looking for a short-term boost, the reward may outweigh the risk. For others, especially younger teams building culture, the hesitation could remain. Timing will matter, too. If the NFL does not issue further discipline, interest could pick up quickly. If a suspension comes, teams may wait to see how long he’s sidelined before making a move.

So, will he return?

The most realistic answer is yes, but not immediately, and not without conditions. Diggs’ talent alone should be enough to earn him another opportunity. The not guilty verdict removes the biggest obstacle, and in a league that has consistently valued production, players with his background rarely stay unsigned for long.

But this won’t be a typical free agency. Any return will likely come with scrutiny, a shorter leash, and possibly a prove-it deal as teams evaluate both his performance and his presence off the field.

For now, Diggs has cleared his name in court. His next challenge is proving he still belongs on an NFL field.

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