Commanders could sign Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs is one of the biggest names on the proverbial free-agent scrap heap regardless of position. The decorated wide receiver was among the NFL's elite not too long ago. Unfortunately, a devastating torn ACL suffered after just eight games with the Houston Texans derailed his momentum significantly.
Recent reports surrounding Diggs' recovery are positive. He's ahead of schedule, running at full speed, and feeling more confident with quick changes in direction. No deal emerged after visiting the New England Patriots, which could lead another wide receiver-needy team to pounce.
The Washington Commanders tick those boxes. They have Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. Luke McCaffrey should improve with another offseason to develop. Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn were re-signed, but that won't be enough.
Diggs is no stranger to the region. The Gaithersburg native attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School before going to the University of Maryland en route to being a fifth-round pick. Getting the chance to play closer to home on a contending team at this stage of his career is a tempting proposition.
There are concerns about how Diggs would fit into Washington's locker room culture. Coaches rave about his work ethic and commitment to excellence, so it might be worth the Commanders bringing him for a visit to get a deeper first-hand window into his personality.
Commanders could sign Isaiah Simmons
The Commanders tinkered with their defensive front seven over free agency. They re-signed some and let others go. But they are still looking for a versatile chess piece with the physical attributes Dan Quinn has thrived with previously.
One could argue that Jacob Martin could be that if he transitions smoothly, but there's just no telling for sure right now. If the Commanders want to hedge their bets with a low-risk, high-reward option to increase competition, Isaiah Simmons represents exactly that.
Simmons was a highly touted college recruit coming out of Clemson en route to becoming the No. 8 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent time at the safety position, edge rusher, and linebacker over his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Aside from a few flashes, he never reached his billing.
The New York Giants saw something in Simmons to trade for the athletic force. But again, this came with nothing more than flashes as their season spiraled into irrelevancy.
There's a chance Simmons is past the point of no return career-wise. There's also a chance a stable environment within a winning culture — something he's yet to experience in the NFL — could inspire him enough to finally realize his potential.
He's got the physical profile Dan Quinn typically looks for. And this move wouldn't cost the Commanders much to find out what untapped promise remains.