Dan Quinn reveals the Stefon Diggs truth Commanders needed to uncover

The Washington Commanders gave wide receiver Stefon Diggs the homecoming he was looking for. And head coach Dan Quinn outlined precisely why it went from a possibility to reality.

During his latest media availability before Day 8 of Commanders training camp, Quinn was clearly hyped about having Diggs in the fold. He was also quick to point out that it wasn't just his on-field prowess that tipped the scales in his favor.

Dan Quinn outlines precisely why the Commanders moved for Stefon Diggs

It was the glowing references about his leadership, which often gets overlooked compared to the sensationalist headlines around his diva-like persona and off-field incidents.

"We're fired up. We know he's a tremendous player, but what I've heard more and more this week is about the leader he's been to the younger players on teams he's been a part of. The energy he brings, not just to the field but also to the sidelines. So, when you see him inside, in the slot, he's got a great feel. He's a great competitor."

Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story, as they say.

This positive assessment from Quinn isn't a shock. Sara Marshall of Musket Fire told the loyal Riggo's Rag readers that Diggs was the model teammate during his one season with the New England Patriots. It doesn't make many headlines, but it was all the Commanders needed to hear before taking the plunge.

Diggs was a difficult player to handle earlier in his career. Public spats with Kirk Cousins and Josh Allen contributed to his downfall with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. He had some legal issues to work out earlier in the offseason, so it's not hard to see why there was some trepidation about the locker room fit.

Stefon Diggs has an opportunity to remove the diva stigma for good in Washington

Consider those alleviated for good.

The former Maryland standout won't want to waste this opportunity. Diggs always wanted the Commanders this offseason. The chance to play much closer to home clearly means a lot, so it would be a major disappointment if he didn't carry on this leadership role into D.C. and make a positive impact both on the field and off the gridiron.

With age comes wisdom. Diggs may have displayed some erratic behavior in the past, but he's taking a different approach now.

He's an elder statesman; someone everyone is looking to for advice and guidance. And with so many young breakout hopefuls in Washington's wideout room, this stands to benefit them enormously.

The Commanders had been in constant communication with Diggs through the offseason. General manager Adam Peters was ready to pounce at a moment's notice, but not before comprehensive due diligence was done about his character.

And the feedback was incredibly positive.

One only has to look at how Diggs was greeted before his first training camp practice to see how well this move has been received by his new teammates.

Quinn stated it would be a gradual ramp-up process in the coming days before getting a full workload, but the four-time Pro Bowler showed up in tremendous shape after working hard on his craft before his next opportunity.

And for a one-year deal that could be worth up to $12 million, it could be yet another outstanding piece of business.

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