Commanders have two stars dreaming of Washington after years of being ignored

The Washington Commanders still have a hole to fill with their second wide receiver, unless third-round draft pick Antonio Williams ends up exceeding expectations. But there are two big-name veterans who are or will be on the free-agent market, should general manager Adam Peters be interested in their services.

And they both want to come to Washington.

Brandon Aiyuk has been the hot rumor all offseason, due to his close relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, Gaithersburg-raised Stefon Diggs will be entertaining offers after he was cleared of wrongdoing in a 2025 domestic dispute with his personal chef.

Commanders are still an attractive destination despite their failure last season

Whether the Commanders land either, or perhaps even both of them, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear. Washington, despite going 5-12 last season, is a destination franchise.

Daniels will have to prove himself all over again in Year 3 of his professional career, after injuries and sophomore regression derailed his 2025 campaign. But it sure sounds like his peers around the league think he's capable of returning to his electrifying rookie form, and perhaps even want to help him do so.

Diggs certainly hasn't ruled out joining the Commanders. Fans have been campaigning to bring the four-time Pro Bowler back to his hometown team for many years now, and this certainly feels like the most realistic version of that dream that has ever been.

For Aiyuk, the connection is much more personal with Daniels, who was his quarterback at Arizona State in 2019.

Landing him might be a challenge because he is still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, who seem determined not to release him until the last possible moment. If they end up finding a trade partner for the disgruntled veteran, Washington is out of luck.

Still, it's not an accident that the Commanders have been named an ideal landing spot for both players. It's not just because they need the help. It's because Washington, even after last season's disaster, is considered a rising contender with an irresistible draw in its young quarterback.

Perhaps most of all, it's a feather in the cap of the team's ownership.

The Commanders' facilities have undergone tremendous improvement since Josh Harris purchased the organization. The culture, from top to bottom, is serious about providing a healthy environment for its players and staff. That certainly couldn't be said three years ago.

Get used to it, Commanders fans. Washington might not play winning football every season, but this franchise is far removed from the institutional punchline it was under Dan Snyder.

And the interest from high-profile veterans proves it.

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