NFL free agency is nearly upon us, with the league's legal tampering period set to begin on Monday and official signings free to be made two days later. The Washington Commanders, with their laundry list of expiring contracts and abundance of salary-cap space, are expected to be as aggressive as anybody.
But there is one recently released veteran that general manager Adam Peters should give the widest berth imaginable.
Peters has no shortage of needs to fill, including at safety, defensive line, and now center, thanks to the surprising release of Tyler Biadasz. Washington could also use some wide receiver depth, assuming Deebo Samuel Sr. does not return.
Commanders should not pursue baggage-laden Stefon Diggs after Patriots exit
But the Commanders have to be careful. Some players are more trouble than they're worth, including one who fans have been trying to bring to D.C. for the better part of a decade.
Stefon Diggs has been released by the New England Patriots, making him a free agent once again. Naturally, because the four-time Pro Bowler grew up in Gaithersburg, attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, and played for the Maryland Terrapins in college, Commanders fans have long held a dream of bringing him home.
Back in the late 2010s, when there were constant trade rumors that Diggs wanted out of the Minnesota Vikings, he would have been a great get. But now? He's an aging prima donna with off-field baggage that is currently going through the courts.
Adding to that, the 11-year veteran feels like he is on his last legs in the NFL.
Diggs had a strong comeback season for the Patriots, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the seventh time in his career. But it's unlikely he reaches that number again, especially if he were to be in Washington. He'd be taking a backseat to Terry McLaurin in this unlikely scenario, and he doesn't like not getting the ball.
The Commanders will have options at wide receiver, and they need to go with someone younger with more long-term upside. Wan'Dale Robinson or Rashid Shaheed would be perfect. If not, then Romeo Doubs or Calvin Austin could be a solid consolation prize.
But let's pump the brakes on Diggs for once and for all. If he was ever going to be a Commanders player, the time would have been before Washington was called the Commanders.
At this stage of his career, he is damaged goods and should never be considered.