The Washington Commanders could be looking for another wide receiver despite acquiring Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade from the San Francisco 49ers. One of the highest-profile names remaining is now off the market after an astonishing overpay.
Washington handed Jayden Daniels another prolific weapon by sending a fifth-round pick to San Francisco for Samuel. His partnership with Terry McLaurin could be devastating if both reach their billing. Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown, and K.J. Osborn round off the room right now, but general manager Adam Peters needs more.
A promising update regarding Stefon Diggs' recovery from a torn ACL led many to speculate whether he'd become a legitimate option to give the Commanders a dynamic trio. Speculation about whether Peters was contemplating a move or not quickly became moot after the former Maryland star signed a lucrative deal with the New England Patriots.
Commanders were right to avoid Stefon Diggs after huge contract demands
Mike Vrabel was suitably impressed after bringing in Diggs for a visit recently. The four-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. While the full details haven't been revealed as yet, one would expect there to be an easy out or two if the pass-catcher gets hurt again or cannot return to his previous form.
This is a massive overpay from the Patriots no matter how much Diggs could potentially help second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He's expected to be ready for Week 1, but it'll take time to find his football legs again. And at almost 32 years old when the campaign begins, time is of the essence.
That doesn't matter to the Commanders. They have someone younger in Samuel, who provides the versatility and dynamism that was sorely lacking opposite McLaurin last time around.
The options around during the 2024 campaign sufficed. But Peters knew it wouldn't be enough to get Washington over the hump and to another Super Bowl.
Options are dwindling in the veteran free-agent market. The Commanders are not exactly blessed with tradable assets following deals for Samuel and stud left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That makes going down the draft route the most realistic remaining chance Washington has for another receiver who can help immediately.
While this current crop of wideouts doesn't have elite-level prospects like Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr., or Garrett Wilson of previous years, it's another deep group. The Commanders only have five selections as things stand, so playing the board effectively is crucial. If Peters can find a diamond in the rough or get lucky with a prospect falling into his lap, the better Washington's hopes in 2025 will be.
Diggs was always a pipedream considering the presence of Samuel and McLaurin. Finding the right balance with two players who'll demand their fair share of targets is manageable. Adding another into the mix, especially with this sort of money attached, would have been almost impossible.
Peters is working towards a long-term plan. There is more urgency attached to the Commanders given they are in win-now mode, but the overall targets remain the same.
Those plans don't include Diggs. Although he'd help, Peters was right to avoid this sort of financial commitment for someone who is no longer a sure thing.