The Commanders’ search for receiver help may not be over, but the Brandon Aiyuk door is closed. He remains under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving Washington to keep weighing other options as training camp gets underway this week.
One name that keeps surfacing is Stefon Diggs. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said Sunday that at least five receiver-needy teams have been checking on Diggs’ market while he works out on his own.
"So, I'm told that at least five teams that need a receiver have been checking in on his market and see how things are going as he works out on his own," Fowler said. "I'm told Diggs is highly motivated here because he's not rehabbing an ACL like he was last year.
He only played about 55% of the snaps for New England and still got 1,000 yards. He feels like he can be a really good No. 2 receiver for a top quarterback."
That profile fits the Commanders’ situation, especially with Jayden Daniels in place. Fowler pointed to Washington as a team that could make sense for Diggs.
"Now, Washington is intriguing to him because Jayden Daniels, young quarterback, he's from that DMV area. The rumors around the league are that Washington could add a receiver at some point to go with Terry McLaurin."
The timing, though, may not be immediate. Fowler said players in this situation often prefer to wait rather than report right away to camp.
"These guys don't always want to go to training camp in the 90-degree heat; they can wait a week or two before they sign."
That leaves Washington GM Adam Peters with a decision to make. He can keep watching the veteran market, or he can see what develops from the group already in camp. Treylon Burks, Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson are all in the mix for the Commanders’ No. 2 receiver job behind Terry McLaurin.
If Peters likes what he sees, Washington could decide to stand pat. If not, the receiver market may still have another move left in it.
In Other News...
Commanders Are Already Dealing With A Defensive Camp Nightmare
Washington is opening training camp with an early hit to the defense, as Dorance Armstrong Jr., Trey Amos and Deatrich Wise Jr. all begin on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Armstrong and Amos are coming off significant injuries from last season, and their absence immediately thins out a unit that was supposed to be a point of emphasis as the Commanders try to move past a disappointing 2025.
The bigger concern is not just who is missing now, but how much the team had been counting on these players to help steady the front and the back end. Armstrong was already facing a reduced role in Daronte Jones defense after the arrivals of Odafe Oweh and KLavon Chaisson, while Amos had been viewed as a possible Year 2 breakout candidate before his setback. Washington is still hoping the group can work its way back in time for the season, but camp has barely started and the defense is already trying to absorb another setback. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Camp Opens With One Roster Question Hanging Over Everything
Training camp opens this week with the full roster due Tuesday and the first practice set for Wednesday, giving the Commanders their first real chance to sort through a crowded 91-man group before the cutdown to 53. It is also the first extended look at how new offensive coordinator David Blough and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones want to shape the team, with joint practices, preseason games and a steady stream of reps all feeding into decisions that will ripple through the rest of August.
For Washington, the intrigue is not just about scheme changes but about who can seize a role quickly enough to matter. The staff will be watching rookies closely, along with any potential additions that could alter the depth chart, and there is still a sense that one more move could change the tone of camp before the roster picture starts to settle. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Face An Uncomfortable WR2 Question Around A Big Name
The Commanders are still sorting out what the passing game looks like behind Terry McLaurin, and the search for a reliable No. 2 has naturally pulled a big name into the conversation. Stefon Diggs is available, he has ties to the Washington area, and the idea of pairing him with Jayden Daniels is the kind of move that would at least make the front office think hard about how much proven receiver help it wants to add.
Diggs, though, would not be stepping into a tidy setup where the job is clearly defined for him. Washington already has several pass-catchers competing for touches and roles, which makes the fit more complicated than a simple name-value upgrade. For the Commanders, the question is not just whether Diggs is interested, but whether he would arrive as the answer to their WR2 issue or simply add another layer to it. [Read more 🡒]