Brandon Aiyuk is making all the headlines, for better or worse. But some remain adamant that the Washington Commanders would be better off making a big push for free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
That has a lot of merit. But the Commanders may have already made their decision on Diggs without saying a word.
Diggs is a proven performer coming off a 1,000-receiving-yard campaign with the New England Patriots, helping them reach the Super Bowl. Now that his legal troubles are behind him, the All-Pro pass-catcher is free to join whoever he wants.
Diggs has baggage, of course. He's known for making things difficult when targets aren't plentiful. He wouldn't be the top dog in Washington's passing attack thanks to Terry McLaurin, which could prove complicated. The Maryland product is eager to discuss a homecoming, but it doesn't seem the Commanders are reciprocating that interest right now.
Momentum points to Commanders choosing Brandon Aiyuk over Stefon Diggs
JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan is among those who thought Diggs made more sense than Aiyuk. The team insider highlighted his consistency and recent high-end production as reasons. He also thought the wideout might be asking for a little more than anyone is willing to pay.
"I think [Stefon] Diggs makes more sense. But he costs you a lot more. That's the difference. He wants to be paid. I think Diggs is waiting for $15 million. He produced at a high level for a team that went deep into the playoffs. He can play. The only reason he probably hasn't signed anywhere is cash."
Stefon Diggs' might be the safer option over Brandon Aiyuk, but how much will his contract cost? #StefonDiggs #NFL #Football #FreeAgency #Commanders pic.twitter.com/Dcx3VrfK4v
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) June 22, 2026
If we're basing this on recency bias, Finlay is right. But the consensus points to the power of relationships in this scenario.
Aiyuk has a close bond with quarterback Jayden Daniels. He knows general manager Adam Peters well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. There is also Wes Welker, who was his receivers coach for two years on the NFC West club.
The Niners haven't released him yet. When they do, Aiyuk wants to join Washington. And unlike the situation with Diggs, this interest is reportedly mutual.
The homecoming allure might be nice. Peters sees things with a business-first mindset. If he doesn't think the money works, or he's not happy with giving Diggs a multi-year commitment, he'll wait for Aiyuk. Bringing both on board couldn't be entirely dismissed, but that possibility seems unlikely.
Diggs will be on a team before Week 1 rolls around. He's dependable, knows how to create separation, and has developed a strong reputation for coming through in the biggest moments. Aiyuk is younger with more long-term upside, but he hasn't played since midway through the 2024 campaign.
More help is coming; that much is clear. There were errors from Washington's pass-catchers over mandatory minicamp, which didn't go unnoticed by those in attendance. Peters is still willing to let things play out, but there is money available to make changes.
That will more than likely be Aiyuk.
He's no sure thing, but the smoke around Diggs has been one-sided throughout the offseason. Peters isn't known for showing his hand. Even so, if he were legitimately interested, something would have been worked out by now.
It'll be interesting to see what the Commanders eventually decide. There are a few weeks before everyone comes back together for training camp, but Diggs might not last that long on the open market.
The importance of getting this right cannot be overstated. That's the only sure thing in a myriad of unknowns.
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