Skip Bayless believes the New England Patriots could feel the impact of Stefon Diggs’ departure far beyond the field.
The veteran wide receiver was part of the Patriots’ surprising run that turned them into one of the biggest stories of the NFL season.
Bayless now thinks losing Diggs could create a significant leadership void inside the locker room.
Skip Bayless says Stefon Diggs was key to the New England Patriots’ surprise season
Speaking on The Arena, Skip Bayless explained why Diggs played such a major role in New England’s unexpected success.
“They were 80-1 to win the Super Bowl going into the year, and they were the shock story of the year, obviously,” Bayless said.
He added: “They came, literally, out of nowhere, and he had a whole lot to do with coming out of nowhere. On presence, leadership, been there, done all that, practice hard, speeches, he’s a real one.”
Bayless suggested Diggs’ influence went well beyond his on-field production.
According to the analyst, the receiver helped shape the mentality of a team that few expected to contend. That leadership presence is what Bayless believes will now be difficult for the Patriots to replace.
Skip Bayless warns New England Patriots about locker-room impact
Bayless also questioned how New England will fill the leadership gap left behind.
“[Releasing Stefon Diggs will] leave a big hole in their locker room. I don’t know who they are going to go get, but it better be somebody,” the renowned analyst concluded.
The concern reflects how veteran voices often play a major role in keeping teams focused during long NFL seasons.
For Bayless, replacing that influence will be just as important as replacing Diggs’ production. How the Patriots address that challenge could shape the direction of the team moving forward.
Read more:
