Stefon Diggs: Not Guilty Verdict and Free Agency Update

Few NFL careers have taken as many twists and turns as Stefon Diggs’ — and this year, the twists kept coming even off the field. A Massachusetts jury cleared the wide receiver of assault charges on May 5, 2026, just weeks after the New England Patriots released him (USA Today).

full name: Stefon Marsean Diggs ·
born: November 29, 1993 ·
position: wide receiver ·
current team: free agent ·
college: Maryland ·
nfl draft: 2015, round 5, pick 146 (Minnesota Vikings)

Six key facts, one pattern: Diggs’ on‑field production remains elite even as his legal and personal life has become unsettled.

What Was Stefon Diggs Accused Of?

Details of the charges

• Diggs was charged with assault and strangulation in 2024, stemming from an incident involving his former personal chef (CBS Sports).
• The case was prosecuted in Massachusetts, and Diggs pleaded not guilty in February 2026 (CBS Sports).

Court proceedings and verdict

• A jury in Massachusetts returned a not‑guilty verdict on May 5, 2026 (USA Today).
• The legal standard “not guilty” means the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt; it is not a declaration of factual innocence (USA Today).

The implication: Diggs’ legal freedom does not automatically restore his market value. NFL front offices will scrutinize both the trial testimony and his 2025 performance before committing guaranteed money.

Who Are Stefon Diggs’ Baby Mothers and How Many Kids Does He Have?

Known mother(s) of his children

• Public records confirm Diggs has at least one child, whose mother is his ex‑girlfriend (Wikipedia).
• No credible source names a second baby mother. The exact number of children cannot be independently verified (Yahoo Sports).

Number and names of his children

• Diggs has publicly shared moments with a young son on social media, but he has never disclosed the child’s full name or birthday (Wikipedia).
• His rumored relationship with rapper Cardi B did not produce children (Yahoo Sports).

The pattern: The public knows Diggs is a father, but the specifics remain guarded — a contrast to the full‑disclosure culture of many NFL stars’ personal brands.

Why Did Stefon Diggs Leave Cardi B?

Timeline of the relationship

• Diggs and Cardi B were first linked in mid‑2023, but neither party ever formally confirmed the relationship (Yahoo Sports).
• Social media speculation cooled by early 2024, and they were not seen together publicly after that.

Reasons for the split

• No insider or direct source has provided a specific reason for the breakup (Yahoo Sports).
• Both parties have moved on without public comment, suggesting an amicable separation.

The catch: Without a confirmed statement from either party, the “why” remains gossip — and NFL teams care about what’s verifiable, not what’s speculated.

What Is Stefon Diggs’ Current Team and Contract Status?

Former Patriots wide receiver

• After a 2024 trade from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs signed a three‑year, $63.5 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2025 (Yahoo Sports).
• He played all 17 games for the Patriots in 2025, recording 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns (NFL Trade Rumors).
• The Patriots released him on March 4, 2026, before the trial ended (ESPN).

Free agent status in 2025 (actual: 2026)

• After his acquittal, Diggs immediately became one of the most prominent free agents on the market (CBS Sports).
• The Houston Texans’ earlier contract adjustment had made him an unrestricted free agent in 2025, but the Patriots’ release and trial delayed his market (NFL.com).
• As of May 2026, no team has publicly announced a contract offer (Yahoo Sports).

Why this matters: A 30‑year‑old wide receiver coming off a 1,000‑yard season and a not‑guilty verdict is a rare asset. The question is whether any franchise is willing to pay a premium for that combination.

Who Is Richer, Cardi B or Stefon Diggs?

Stefon Diggs net worth estimate

• Industry estimates place Diggs’ net worth around $60 million as of 2025 (Yahoo Sports).
• His wealth comes primarily from NFL contracts (he earned more than $137 million in career salary) and endorsement deals (Yahoo Sports).

Cardi B net worth estimate

• Forbes and other outlets estimate Cardi B’s net worth at $80–90 million, driven by music sales, touring, endorsements, and business ventures (Wikipedia).
• Unlike Diggs, her income is not subject to a salary cap, and she has multiple high‑value endorsement deals.

Comparison of earnings sources

• Diggs’ primary income is NFL salary and bonuses; Cardi B’s is royalty‑based performance and brand partnerships.
• Both have diversified into fashion and media, but Cardi B’s global brand reach is orders of magnitude larger.

The trade‑off: Diggs’ earning power is capped by league structure and injury risk. Cardi B’s is limited only by demand. For both, the next few years will define whether they grow or plateau.

Timeline: Stefon Diggs’ Key Life and Career Events

• November 29, 1993 – Born in Gaithersburg, Maryland (Wikipedia).
• 2015 – Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in Round 5, Pick 146 (NFL.com).
• 2020 – Traded to the Buffalo Bills (Wikipedia).
• 2024 – Traded to the Houston Texans; then signed with New England Patriots later that year (NFL.com).
• 2025 – Played 17 games for the Patriots; charged with assault and strangulation (CBS Sports).
• May 5, 2026 – Found not guilty on both charges (USA Today).

The arc: Each turning point — trades, legal battles, and now acquittal — has reshaped his trajectory, but the next team he signs with will determine the final chapter.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: What We Know

The division: What’s confirmed is limited to court records and basic career facts; personal details remain opaque, leaving room for speculation that could affect his market.

Voices on the Verdict and Future

“We are gratified that the jury carefully considered the evidence and reached the correct verdict. Stefon is looking forward to returning to the field.”

— Diggs’ attorney, as quoted by USA Today

“Diggs pleaded not guilty in February to both assault-related charges. The trial featured testimony from the alleged victim, a former personal chef.”

— CBS Sports

“The Patriots released Diggs in early March, before the trial, making him a free agent. The verdict clears the path for him to sign with a new team.”

— ESPN

The consensus: Legal and team sources agree the verdict removes a hurdle, but his next contract will test how much the off-field narrative matters.

Related reading

• Samantha Kerr: Injury, Court Case, and Return in 2025
• Patty Mills: NBA Career, Stats, Wife, and Current Team

For more on athletes navigating legal and career crossroads, these profiles offer additional context on how off-field events shape on-field futures.

For NFL teams in need of a proven wide receiver, the choice is clear: sign a 30‑year‑old who just topped 1,000 yards and walked out of court a free man, or pass on a talent that comes with a side of off‑field headlines. For Stefon Diggs, the next contract will define whether his career arc bends back toward stardom or settles into journeyman territory.

For more on his finances and family background, see Stefon Diggs net worth and personal life.

Frequently asked questions

These questions represent the most common public inquiries; the answers reflect what can be verified through reliable sources as of May 2026.