The Washington Commanders are expected to explore ways to reinforce their receiving corps this offseason following the departure of Deebo Samuel Sr. With quarterback Jayden Daniels continuing to serve as the centerpiece of the franchise’s long-term plans, adding another proven target feels necessary.
A recent free-agency projection suggests the Commanders may pursue an established veteran receiver capable of elevating the passing game heading into the 2026 season.
Commanders Linked to Stefon Diggs in Free Agency Projection
A recent PFSN projection identified Stefon Diggs as a potential free-agent target for the Commanders. The former All-Pro playmaker enters free agency after being released by the New England Patriots.
Despite returning from a torn ACL suffered in 2024, Diggs still produced a strong 2025 season and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards.
He led the AFC-champion Patriots in receptions and receiving yards and should be due for another productive season now that he is a full season removed from his ACL injury.
PFSN NFL analyst Jacob Infante wrote: “A late addition to the free agency party, Stefon Diggs got released by the New England Patriots a week before signings can kick off. There’s reason to understand why the Patriots parted ways with him, with a lot of them coming off the field.
“On the field, though, Diggs is still playing at an extremely high level. He finished fourth in the NFL in PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, and coming off a torn ACL in 2024, still ended the 2025 season with over 1,000 receiving yards. Teams in need of help in the passing game will still give Diggs a shot because of his overwhelming talent.”
Diggs has remained a productive receiver throughout his career and would bring experience and playmaking ability to a team searching for help in the passing game. The Commanders need some proven production alongside veteran Terry McLaurin.
The Commanders’ decision to move on from Samuel came after a stretch of declining production. Samuel is now on the wrong side of 30 and has finished back-to-back seasons without reaching 1,000 all-purpose yards
His lone season with the Commanders reflected that dip in production. Samuel recorded a 77.2 Wide Receiver Impact Score, ranking 34th among all receivers in PFSN’s metric.
Replacing that production now becomes a key offseason objective for the Commanders as they continue building around Daniels. The young quarterback remains central to the organization’s long-term plans.
Adding a veteran receiver such as Diggs would give Daniels a dependable target capable of winning one-on-one matchups and exposing mismatches in the slot as the Commanders attempt to bounce back in 2026 under new offensive coordinator David Blough.
