Last year in his first season with the Houston Texans, wide receiver Stefon Diggs was named a captain. The Patriots hope he brings the same leadership after signing the free agent receiver to a three-year deal. Steven Senne/Associated Press

Stefon Diggs heard the noise.

Before being traded to Houston, the Pro Bowl receiver was labeled a ‘diva.’ Although there was some drama at the end of his time in Buffalo, the veteran went to the Texans with a fresh start and made the most of it – on and off the field.

That tag didn’t travel with him last year. In his first season with the Texans, the receiver was named a captain by his peers and coaches.

“I’m a man of integrity,” Diggs told the Houston media in September. “You can ask my peers what kind of player I am. I’m a man who works hard from myself. I’m working hard to earn … everything that I get. Common misconceptions happen all the time. I’m not mad at them. It’s easy to go with a narrative if you don’t do your research and it’s all word of mouth. It’s crazy because you’ve kind of got to rock with the narrative, I guess, if you don’t know me.”

The Patriots hope Diggs will have a similar impact after signing the receiver to a three-year deal worth up to $69 million on Tuesday night.
Although there are questions as to how this two-time All-Pro will fit in with Mike Vrabel’s team, Diggs showed to be more than just a go-to receiver last year in Houston. The 31-year-old created a special bond with young quarterback C.J. Stroud. He was not only a model citizen but relished in his role as a No. 2 receiver behind Nico Collins.

In the first eight weeks, Diggs was seventh in the NFL in receptions (47). Only two Patriots players had more catches all last season (DeMario Douglas and Hunte Henry). Out of Diggs’ 47 receptions, 31 went for first downs. When Stroud needed a big play, the veteran was his target.
Stroud lauded the receiver for his leadership.

“It’s been great. I think he got a bad rap just by the media and by people,” Stroud told the Houston media last season. “But he’s been nothing but just amazing to this team and to his teammates. He’s helped me out a ton. As you can see, we’re clicking more and more every game. So, I’m very happy for him and I’m glad that he’s finally having fun playing the game and doing what he loves to do because he loves football a lot.”

For the Patriots, adding Diggs is important on many levels.

The hope is that they’ve found a reliable offensive weapon for Drake Maye. Last year, the Patriots didn’t have a single pass catcher in the top 50 in receiving yards. Their leading receiver, Henry, was 52nd in the league with 674 yards. The Patriots’ leading receiver in 2023, DeMario Douglas, finished 72nd in the league with 561 yards.

Along with Diggs adding more talent, the Patriots also need another leader on offense. The receiver room last year was disgruntled. Not all players were thrilled with their roles in Alex Van Pelt’s system. By adding an accomplished veteran to the locker room, Diggs will also set an example for how to work and approach each week like a Pro Bowler.

His work ethic was lauded by his teammates and coaches in Houston.

“You talk about his influence, it’s not just his influence on the receivers, it’s just his influence on our entire team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told the local media last season. “Like his competitive spirit, what he brings each and every day, like it lights the fire in our entire team.”

Vrabel has vowed to change the culture inside Gillette Stadium. Last season, the Patriots lacked leadership – especially after David Andrews and Ja’Whaun Bentley were lost to injuries.

This offseason, the Patriots have added multiple good character players and former captains to their roster. Diggs is the latest example. Although some have questioned his character in the past, the receiver’s actions last year in one half-season showed he can make a positive impact in New England.

“If you believe in me, then you know me on a personal level because I’m up here, you’re gonna know what kind of man I am,” Diggs said last September. “My teammates will say it more than I will. I’m a man of integrity. I’m a man, and I pride myself on the hard work of myself and showing up each and every day.”