Stefon Diggs was a breath of fresh air throughout his first day with the Washington Commanders. The recently acquired wide receiver is excited to be home, got straight to work on the field, and he came across positively during his opening press conference.
And Diggs has already laid out precisely how he's going to win over quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Diggs revealed that he wants to prove his dependability to Daniels. He can offer all the advice in the world, but raising trust between the receiver and signal-caller in big moments is all that matters.
Stefon Diggs has the proven dependability Commanders need for Jayden Daniels
And based on his work with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye last season, Diggs looks more than capable of achieving this objective.
"Young quarterbacks, they got a lot on their plate, so making plays for them gives them confidence. That puts a battery in their back to make them feel like, 'Man, I can do anything out here.' That's how I try to help them; by playing well."
While there was speculation linking the Commanders with San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, it was never a sure thing. Diggs is more productive and was attainable. And his reputation for being accomplished with young quarterbacks throughout his prolific career is well known.
Diggs may have been a diva receiver earlier in his career, but that's not the case anymore. He emerged as a respected leader with the Patriots, and head coach Dan Quinn received glowing references about the player's character before eventually taking the plunge.
This move does not get signed off without Daniels' approval, either.
The Commanders' moves this offseason have been made to make life easier for Daniels. He was forced to do too much last season, and the wear and tear took a heavy toll. That cannot happen again, and general manager Adam Peters has done a brilliant job of surrounding Washington's franchise player with everything needed to thrive.
Diggs is the highest-profile offensive signing by a considerable margin. And if he can provide what the Commanders anticipate, he could be the best.
The former Maryland Terrapins playmaker wanted the Commanders almost from the moment the Patriots sent him packing after just one season. There is an obvious homecoming allure, but getting the chance to catch passes from Daniels was another strong selling point. And with Terry McLaurin opposite, chances to make plays should be plentiful.
Daniels now has a legitimate 1-2 punch at receiver. It'll be the first time, because last year doesn't really count considering how much time McLaurin and the LSU product missed. Staying healthy is crucial, but there is a lot to like about Diggs' fit within new offensive coordinator David Blough's system.
And if the pass-catcher can provide the Commanders with another consistent campaign to push the 1,000-yard-receiving barrier, there will be nobody happier than Daniels.
Make no mistake about that.
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