Stefon Diggs is one step closer to getting back on the gridiron after being acquitted in court, but the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver isn't entirely out of the woods just yet. On Tuesday, a jury found Diggs not guilty of assaulting his personal chef, clearing a major legal hurdle that could pave the way for his return to the NFL—though league discipline may still be on the table.

The charges stemmed from a December 2 incident at Diggs' home in Massachusetts. Jamila Adams, a former live-in personal chef, testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument. He pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge. After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury cleared him of all charges. "The evidence has shown what we've maintained from day one: Mr. Diggs was wrongly accused," said his attorney, Mitch Schuster. "This case represents exactly the kind of opportunistic targeting that players can face the moment they step off the field."

Diggs spent last season with the New England Patriots, helping them reach the Super Bowl before they fell to the Seattle Seahawks. He was released in March and remains an unsigned free agent—but that could change in the coming weeks. The NFL, however, is still watching closely. "We have been monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on Tuesday.

Even without a criminal conviction, Diggs could still face league discipline. History shows the NFL doesn't always wait for a courtroom verdict. Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games (later reduced to four) in 2010 following sexual assault accusations, despite never being charged. Jameis Winston sat out three games in 2018 after a sexual assault allegation. And Ezekiel Elliott, then with the Cowboys, was suspended six games in 2017 following a league investigation into domestic violence allegations—a suspension that held up on appeal.

For Diggs, the legal win is a huge step forward, but the next move is up to the league. With his talent and a fresh start waiting, all eyes are on whether he'll be back in uniform soon—or watching from the sideline a little longer.