At this point, it's a tale as old as time for the Patriots needing to upgrade their receiving corps, as they go into another offseason with that same priority. As we saw during the 2025 season, however, they clearly assembled one of the best groups they've had in years, and that helped elevate Drake Maye during a pivotal second season.
But more work is to be done, which includes potentially moving on from Stefon Diggs already, and maybe making some other difficult decisions for others on the team, including DeMario Douglas.
The 25-year-old is going into the final year of his rookie contract, and there is a lot of talk about what his future might look like, with an increasing belief that it might not be in New England.
Although he seems to have finally hit his stride later in the season last year, he still didn't have a pivotal role on offense, as he didn't start a single game in 2025, and it's difficult to see that changing, despite the fact that he fills a very specific role.
The Patriots might be ready to move on from DeMario Douglas
The wide receiver spoke to the Boston Globe's Christopher Price recently and said he has yet to talk with the Patriots about an extension. That might be a sign that the end is already near.
"I haven't had any talks about an extension, but I would love to stay. This feels like home. I've been here three seasons now, and I love the coaching staff and my teammates. I loved working with the coaches last year; it felt like I finally got to work with a complete staff. I would definitely love to come back."
Considering when Douglas was drafted, he has gone through three head coaches and staff, even more quarterbacks, and finally had some roster continuity last year, which allowed him to thrive in a way we haven't seen before.
His production might not be the flashiest on paper, as he has logged 146 receptions for 1,629 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons, but he has been an explosive addition to the receiver room and was a boost that they needed throughout last year.
Douglas proved to be a yards-after-catch machine for the Patriots last year and keeps defenses on their toes with his speed and elusiveness. That feels like reason enough to keep him around, but maybe not enough to have early extension talks.
Because they have other contracts that likely take priority, like Christian Gonzalez and a handful of pending free agents that might take precedence, Douglas may eventually reach an agreement, just not ahead of the 2026 season.
If not sooner rather than later, it might be fair to assume the Patriots will be moving on instead.