Winner No. 3
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin has flown solo throughout the large majority of his time with the Washington Commanders. When he finally got a real WR2 last season, the Ohio State product had an injury-hit campaign. And when Adam Peters didn't bring back Deebo Samuel Sr., it looked like he was in for an even greater burden.
The Commanders weren't going to let that happen. And for all Samuel's qualities, Stefon Diggs is easily the best running mate McLaurin has ever had.
Now, McLaurin has a superb complementary piece that demands respect. He also has a legitimate franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Couple this with David Blough wanting to make him a focal point and the intriguing presence of Chig Okonkwo at tight end, and everything is in place for another Pro Bowl-caliber campaign.
McLaurin's own future beyond 2026 is rumored to be in doubt. But for now, the second-team All-Pro and Diggs will be a prolific tandem.
Loser No. 3
Brandon Aiyuk
We couldn't leave him out. Not after the delusions of grandeur Brandon Aiyuk has displayed all offseason regarding his clear desire to join the Commanders.
Aiyuk's situation is a masterclass on how to ruin your career aspirations. He's taken every wrong turn imaginable, including throwing shade at quarterback Jayden Daniels on Instagram. The San Francisco 49ers haven't released him, and the player has not even applied for reinstatement. And according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, he was never really on the Commanders' radar.
Had Aiyuk done things the right way, it's a risk the Commanders may have been willing to take. But he was never a sure thing, having not played a competitive regular-season snap since Week 7 of the 2024 season.
As Aiyuk took his frustrations out on anyone, Diggs worked. He stayed ready and kept his head down. For a team that values work ethic and culture so highly, that was the tipping point.
And Aiyuk only has himself to blame.
Winner No. 4
David Blough - Commanders OC
The Commanders took a big risk by promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator this offseason. But after the intriguing signing of Stefon Diggs, the rookie play-caller now has everything needed to potentially take his unit to the next level.
Blough is inexperienced, of course. He also has some innovative ideas, a scheme that plays to Jayden Daniels' strengths, and two prolific veteran wide receivers capable of shouldering a heavy workload.
One is never enough in today's NFL. Terry McLaurin is an exceptional performer, but nobody else in Washington's wideout room had anything like his credentials. Diggs does, and Blough will already have ideas to ensure this move has the desired effect on the Commanders' offensive efficiency.
There is a significant opportunity awaiting Blough. He's already been touted as a future head coaching candidate. If he can get a response out of a revamped offense that now includes Diggs, it would be a surprise if some interviews didn't arrive during the next cycle.
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