Stefon Diggs, ex-Patriots receiver, found not guilty in assault case

TL;DR

Stefon Diggs has been found not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault in a case involving his former chef. The jury's decision comes after allegations of an incident last December.

Key points

Stefon Diggs found not guilty of felony strangulation
Accused by former live-in chef over payment dispute
Jury sided with Diggs after short deliberation
Diggs led Patriots in receptions and receiving yards in 2025
Remains unsigned after being released in March

Mentioned in this story

Stefon DiggsNew England PatriotsMinnesota VikingsBuffalo BillsHouston Texans

DEDHAM, MA - MAY 04: Professional football wide receiver Stefon Diggs walks out of Dedham District Court on May 4, 2026, following the first day of his assault trial. Diggs has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, has been cleared of all charges related to an alleged incident last December. The 32-year-old was found not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault at Dedham District Court on Tuesday. Diggs had been accused by his former live-in chef of assaulting and strangling her during a dispute about payments. According to a police report, the victim claimed that Diggs had entered her unlocked bedroom following an ongoing text exchange regarding money she said she was owed. She stated the discussion escalated into a physical confrontation. However, after a short deliberation the jury sided with Diggs. A former fifth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings, who also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and , Diggs joined the Patriots on a three-year, $63.5 million contract last offseason. He ended up leading the team in receptions and receiving yards, but nonetheless was in early March. Diggs has remained unsigned since. The not guilty verdict announced on Tuesday, however, could prompt teams to reevaluate him as a free agent.

Q&A

What were the charges against Stefon Diggs?

Stefon Diggs faced charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault.

Who accused Stefon Diggs of assault?

Stefon Diggs was accused of assault by his former live-in chef.

What could the not guilty verdict mean for Stefon Diggs' career?

The not guilty verdict may lead NFL teams to reconsider signing Stefon Diggs as a free agent.