Washington Commanders Linked to Stefon Diggs and Other Big-Name WRs Ahead of Camp

The Washington Commanders continue to be linked to veteran wide receivers by other NFL front offices, and there is a growing expectation that they add one by the start of training camp.

When you ask NFL executives about the lingering established veterans on the receiver market, whether it be future Hall of Famer DeAndre Hopkins, former Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs or a disgruntled player like Brandon Aiyuk who will soon be cut, the team mentioned the most in Washington. 

It’s similar to what SportsBoom heard about the New England Patriots and receiver AJ Brown, whom they eventually traded for earlier this month.

“They want to do something at receiver,” one GM told SportsBoom.us. 

“That’s a lot of smoke.”

More Weapons For A Young QB

Diggs is a native of the Washington DC area and played a few miles away from the Commanders' stadium at the University of Maryland. 

Diggs has spent considerable time in that area this offseason and has lobbied for a return. 

Aiyuk played for Commanders GM Adam Peters when both were with the 49ers and competing for Super Bowls, and Hopkins, we continue to hear, would love to play with young quarterback Jayden Daniels after spending last year in a limited role in the same region with Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson.

Washington’s offense got stagnant last season with Daniels battling injuries, and head coach Dan Quinn has tended to collect older talent and defer to veterans; his mentor, Pete Carroll, often did the same thing. 

With the Patriots making their move, there is every expectation that the Commanders are next in line at the receiver position.

Diggs managed another 1000-yard season for the Patriots last year and has proven to be a durable chain-mover who can win contested catches. 

Hopkins is in a similar spot in his career, though his advanced downfield metrics with the Ravens last season trended well despite limited usage. 

Aiyuk has more downfield ability, but he has also been dogged by injuries and lingering health concerns, and he could also be a problem integrating into some locker rooms.