The Washington Commanders have agreed to terms with wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal, NFL Media reported Wednesday. The signing comes after Diggs went unsigned for the entirety of the offseason despite posting 85 receptions, 1,083 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 2024, including a Super Bowl appearance.
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, returns to his hometown area—the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia)—where he will join an established wide receiver corps that includes Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, and Antonio Williams. Reports indicate Diggs will take a pay cut from his previous $20 million salary to approximately $10 million for the upcoming season.
Commanders fill WR need with Diggs
The Commanders’ decision follows speculation over whether they would pursue Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk, another veteran receiver who has played for three teams in the past three seasons. Aiyuk, who signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, did not play in 2025 due to injury and has faced scrutiny over off-field behavior, including reports of erratic conduct and failure to report to team facilities.
Diggs is expected to serve as a primary slot receiver alongside Chig Okonkwo and McLaurin, providing veteran leadership for rookie Jayden Daniels in 2026. The Commanders’ wide receiver group now features multiple established players, though the team has not yet addressed long-term roster decisions for younger receivers like Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey.
Diggs’ role and contract details
According to reports, Diggs’ contract is not a minimum-salary deal, reflecting his veteran status and market value despite the pay reduction. His arrival fills an immediate need at wide receiver, where the Commanders have emphasized depth and experience in their passing game.
The signing also marks a shift for Diggs, who played the 2024 season with the New England Patriots and was previously a key target for multiple teams during free agency. His reunion with the DMV aligns with his stated preference for playing closer to home, though the financial adjustment suggests a strategic move to secure a competitive role.
Reactions and roster implications
The Commanders’ acquisition of Diggs has drawn comparisons to their earlier pursuit of Aiyuk, with some reports framing the decision as a vote of confidence in Diggs’ consistency over Aiyuk’s recent controversies. However, the team has not publicly addressed the rationale behind the move, and the long-term fit for both receivers remains uncertain.
For Diggs, the deal represents an opportunity to extend his career in a familiar setting while contributing to a rebuilding effort. The Commanders, meanwhile, add a proven playmaker to a position group that has seen turnover in recent seasons.