A major legal hurdle has been cleared for NFL free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs. On Tuesday, a Massachusetts jury found the 32-year-old not guilty of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges.

The verdict removes a significant concern for NFL teams eyeing the veteran pass-catcher. Norfolk County prosecutors alleged Diggs was involved in a physical altercation with his personal chef, Jamila Adams, during a dispute over payment at a residence in Dedham, Massachusetts. The chef accused Diggs of hitting her and attempting to choke her. Diggs firmly denied the allegations, and his attorney, Andrew Kettlewell, challenged the credibility of Adams' testimony.

While this criminal case is closed, Diggs is not entirely in the clear. The NFL is still reviewing the situation under its personal conduct policy, which can result in league discipline even without a criminal conviction. An NFL spokesperson confirmed to Sportico that the league continues to monitor the matter.

Additionally, Diggs could still face a civil lawsuit from Adams. In civil court, the burden of proof is lower—based on a "preponderance of the evidence" rather than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard required in criminal cases. There's also the question of his endorsement deals, many of which include "morals clauses" that allow companies to sever ties if an athlete becomes embroiled in legal controversy.

Despite these lingering concerns, Diggs achieved a crucial victory by walking away from this case with no criminal record. He notably turned down a plea deal that would have involved pleading to a lesser charge, choosing instead to trust the jury. That gamble paid off handsomely.

On the field, Diggs was the Patriots' top receiver in 2025, hauling in 85 catches for 1,013 yards. Now, with this legal cloud partially lifted, teams looking to add a proven playmaker to their roster may feel more confident about bringing the veteran into their locker room.