From the moment the Patriots announced they were unexpectedly releasing Stefon Diggs earlier this year, fans have hoped he would return on a new and team-friendly contract to put the receiving corps over the edge and give Drake Maye the best possible group to work with during what is already projected to be a very difficult season.
At first, Eliot Wolf hinted it was a strong possibility, and Diggs did the same on social media, but as the months have passed, much of that mutual interest appears to have dissipated.
That is particularly true since they went on to sign Romeo Doubs in free agency and trade for A.J. Brown, seemingly eliminating Diggs from contention to return. But on top of it all, the former longtime Bills playmaker has been linked to a few teams who had been involved in the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes, and now that feels like a position Diggs will take over.
Because Aiyuk appears to have set fire to multiple bridges with teams who could use his production, it's fair to assume many of them have started looking at free agents to sign instead, one of them being Diggs.
The most notable of all might be the Commanders, who were the frontrunners for Aiyuk for much of the offseason. And now that Deebo Samuel has officially left for the 49ers, that leaves Diggs as the expected main target, and it might be the best place for him to continue his career.
Stefon Diggs might be headed back to the NFC after Brandon Aiyuk severs ties with a frontrunner
Despite losing Ricky Pearsall to a season-ending injury, it doesn't appear as though the 49ers have taken any interest in signing Diggs or changing their mind on Aiyuk.
That leaves the Commanders as the main team to pursue the 4-time Pro Bowler, and since they are hoping for a bounce-back season after reaching the NFC Championship Game during quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie season, Diggs could be a nice addition to elevate the offense to a new level.
They already have a clear WR1 in Terry McLaurin and are hoping some of their younger talent will rise to the occasion to become more reliable No. 2s. However, signing Diggs would ensure they have a proven playmaker beyond McLaurin, allowing Daniels to have more trust in his receiving corps this upcoming season.
Although Diggs didn't have the most stellar 2025 season, he still recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and was a big part of the Patriots' run to the Super Bowl. He showed he can still be what a quarterback needs, and, given the uncertainty in Washington's receiver room, he would immediately add veteran assurance and mentorship.
At this point in the offseason, they could probably sign him on a cheaper deal than had they brought him in several months ago, and Diggs might be more inclined to sign on the dotted line since there is an apparent lack of interest across the league.
On top of that, the Commanders are likely going to be competitive in the NFC East, and if they have a real shot at making the playoffs, then the receiver would be foolish to turn down the opportunity.
He already stated that he believes he is the best WR2 in the league, so he's willing to take a back seat to the role he has long held on every team he's been a part of, while also being a significant contributor to the offense.
It seems clear that the Commanders are the best team for him to go to, and it wouldn't be at all shocking to hear that a signing happens sooner rather than later.
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