Vikings Linked to Famous Old Friend in Free Agency

Stefon Diggs could bring his NFL career full circle with a potential return to Minnesota.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:08pm

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Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who hasn't played for the team since the 2019 season, is reportedly being considered as a free agent target to fill the Vikings' need at the WR3 position. Diggs, who is currently a free agent after playing for the New England Patriots in 2025, has a history with the Vikings organization and could provide a familiar target for quarterback Kyler Murray alongside star receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Why it matters

Diggs' potential return to Minnesota would be a homecoming for the player who was part of the famous 'Minneapolis Miracle' play in 2017. However, Diggs' recent legal troubles and the circumstances around his departure from the Vikings in 2020 could complicate a reunion. The Vikings are in need of a WR3 after the departure of Jalen Nailor, and Diggs' experience and talent could make him an attractive option if his off-field issues are resolved.

The details

Stefon Diggs, a former Vikings wide receiver, is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the New England Patriots. He had 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first year with the Patriots. Diggs' legal troubles, including felony strangulation charges, have likely contributed to him remaining unsigned so far this offseason. The Vikings have an opening at the WR3 position after Jalen Nailor left in free agency, and Diggs could be a fit to play alongside star receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. However, Diggs' previous departure from the Vikings in 2020 under controversial circumstances may make the team's owners, the Wilfs, hesitant to bring him back.

  • Diggs last played for the Vikings in the 2019 season.
  • Diggs was traded from the Vikings to the Buffalo Bills in 2020.
  • Diggs signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2025.
  • Diggs was charged with felony strangulation and other criminal charges a couple of months ago.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is 15 days away.

The players

Stefon Diggs

A 32-year-old wide receiver who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2019 before being traded to the Buffalo Bills. He spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots and is currently a free agent.

Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings' star wide receiver, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jordan Addison

A former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, who plays alongside Justin Jefferson as one of the team's top wide receivers.

Jalen Nailor

A wide receiver who played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and 2025 before leaving the team in free agency.

Kevin O'Connell

The current head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who was not the coach when Stefon Diggs departed the team in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“Diggs' legal trouble is likely why he remains available. He pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and other criminal charges following an alleged assault of his personal chef. Diggs' attorney, Mitchell Schuster, claims his client is 'completely innocent.'”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer

“If Diggs' legal process is resolved, a homecoming to the Minnesota Vikings makes plenty of sense. Jalen Nailor departed for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, so there's an opening at Minnesota's WR3 spot after 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson and former first-round pick Jordan Addison.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The judge in Diggs' legal case will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow him to be released on bail, which could impact his free agency status and potential return to the Vikings.

The takeaway

Stefon Diggs' potential return to the Minnesota Vikings would be a high-profile homecoming, but his recent legal troubles and the circumstances around his previous departure from the team could make the Wilfs hesitant to bring him back. The Vikings have a clear need at the WR3 position, and Diggs' talent and experience could make him an attractive option if his off-field issues are resolved.