The Washington Commanders added plenty of star power around quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. An encouraging report regarding one of the most productive remaining free-agent wide receivers shouldn't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters.
It was a relatively underwhelming free agency from the Commanders. Peters opted to re-sign a lot of his free agents and focus his big splashes on trades. Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw was the only long-term commitment. The rest got one-year deals in keeping with the team's win-now mindset.
The Commanders could use another prolific pass-catcher to further assist Daniels. His sensational surge to superstardom propelled Washington to the NFC Championship game and forced Peters into a change in approach. Maximizing the next two or three years before the former LSU star gets extended is now the biggest priority above all else.
Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are the top two wideouts currently. Luke McCaffrey has promise despite not getting many targets as a rookie. Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn got one-year deals, but that shouldn't prevent Peters from adding another if the right opportunity comes along.
Stefon Diggs comes with baggage, but he's eager to get another shot somewhere after recently visiting with the New England Patriots. Mike Reiss from ESPN offered some insight into the meeting, which centered on his recovery from a torn ACL suffered last season after his trade to the Houston Texans.
Commanders need another wide receiver, and Stefon Diggs is reportedly ahead of schedule
The Patriots insider revealed that Diggs is ahead of schedule and already running at full speed. There's a long way to go, but this is a positive sign that the Pro Bowler could participate over the summer en route to Week 1 involvement.
"The visit was also a chance for the Patriots to assess where the 31-year-old Diggs is in his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered on Oct. 27 while playing for the Houston Texans. League sources have described Diggs as ahead of schedule, already running full speed and gaining increased comfort cutting and changing direction."Mike Reiss
Diggs would be an outstanding asset to the Commanders. He'd have to accept a lesser role than what he's typically used to. However, joining a contender with someone like Daniels under center is an attractive proposition for anybody.
A trio of Diggs, McLaurin, and Samuel would be among the league's best. Much will depend on the money involved, but it wouldn't cost the Commanders anything to find out what it might take to bring him on board.
If this was a couple of years ago, it would be a no-brainer. Diggs' flair for the big occasion and supremely consistent production made him an elite difference-maker. The injury set him back, and there are also accusations of being a locker-room distraction to factor into the equation.
That might be a sentiment from the outside looking in where Diggs is concerned. But a coach who'd worked with him previously spoke glowingly to Reiss about the former Maryland standout regarding his work ethic, dedication to his craft, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the team's goals are met.
"One coach who worked closely with Diggs told ESPN he is one of his all-time favorites because he "loves football, practices hard and with purpose, and wants to be coached," adding that "he's a warmer person than the stigma that follows him.""Anonymous coach via ESPN
Upsetting Washington's new culture shift wouldn't be well received. Diggs would need to check his ego at the door in this scenario, but the positives far outweigh the negatives with a better run of luck on the health front.
The fact he left the Patriots without a deal indicates Diggs might be looking for a team with legitimate chances of contending immediately. Washington ticks those boxes, and they could do far worse with only five draft selections available right now.
Time will tell…
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