Head coach Dan Quinn is searching for answers. The Washington Commanders haven't come close to meeting expectations this season, and those in power should already be hard at work to determine the upgrades needed to get this storied franchise back on track.
General manager Adam Peters faces a brutal offseason of massive decisions with almost no margin for error. But an intriguing development across the league could prompt him into action much sooner.
And it surrounds a player who propelled himself to superstardom under Quinn's expert leadership.
Commanders could check in on Trevon Diggs after inevitable Cowboys departure
All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs and the Dallas Cowboys have gone their separate ways. This relationship soured in recent weeks, so this outcome always seemed inevitable. Injuries and questions about the player's commitment surfaced. And in all honesty, he probably couldn't wait to get out of town.
The connection to Washington was immediate. Diggs flourished under Quinn in Dallas. There is a great respect between the two, and the defensive back would buy into the culture immediately. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether his best days are gone or whether his career can be salvaged.
This would also be a homecoming of sorts for the Gaithersburg, Maryland, native. Diggs has close ties to the region, and, coupled with the presence of Quinn and other players and coaches he knows well, this could be the perfect environment to galvanize his NFL journey.
Claiming Diggs off waivers seems like a non-starter for the Commanders or anyone else. The contract, though there are no guarantees beyond 2025, typically requires him to go through waivers. The defensive back will get the chance to choose his own destination after that, and Washington could very well touch base with the Alabama product to see where he is and what his plans are.
It's a high-risk gamble. The Commanders are desperate for cornerback help, both now and in the future. Diggs should be firmly in his prime at 27 years old, but he was always a feast-or-famine coverage presence on his best day. Washington already has one of those in Mike Sainristil, so it's enough to make Peters think twice despite the obvious connection factor.
The Commanders are not losing anything by learning a little more about what happened with Diggs in Dallas and where things stand medically. Someone might come calling with hopes of going deep into the postseason, which is fine. If not, it would be surprising if Quinn didn't reach out.
Whether it amounts to anything more than that remains to be seen.