The Washington Commanders suddenly find themselves staring at a receiver problem they can’t ignore, and Deebo Samuel’s return to San Francisco only sharpens it. With Samuel off the board, Washington’s depth chart at wideout looks thin behind Terry McLaurin, who is coming off an injury-riddled season.
The drop-off after McLaurin is stark. The Commanders’ next options are Luke McCaffrey and rookie Antonio Williams, a pair of third-round picks who don’t exactly solve the need for proven help. That’s why the conversation around Stefon Diggs keeps hanging in the air.
According to ESPN Commanders insider John Keim, Washington is keeping close tabs on Diggs and may already have a clear preference.
"Right now, I think there is only one guy that Washington would sign, and that's Stefon Diggs. I would say they continue to monitor that situation.
If you're monitoring it, it means you're in the know. We know he wants to play here.
And we know Washington needs another receiver."
The interest in Diggs has been building all summer, but Samuel’s move back to the 49ers only intensifies it. Washington badly needs another veteran presence in the room before the season gets going, and Diggs remains the most obvious name still available.
He’s also still available for a reason. Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, has the résumé to help any offense, and he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in New England a season ago.
But he comes with baggage, which helps explain why he’s still on the market in August. He’s viewed as one of the NFL’s more polarizing receivers, and he has also dealt with legal issues after being accused of strangulation and assault by his personal chef.
Even with those concerns, Washington may not have many realistic alternatives unless it wants to give up more assets in a trade. That leaves Diggs as the likeliest fit, whether the Commanders like the situation or not.
For Dallas, none of this changes the picture much. The Cowboys already have CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at the top of the receiver group, with Ryan Flournoy giving them a solid WR3 and more depth than expected after training camp. Washington’s issues only underline how far apart the two division rivals are at the position right now.
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