Commanders fans’ long nightmare is over. After a spring and summer full of rumors, opinions, guesses and many, many social media posts, Washington got its No. 2 receiver on Wednesday as the team is set to sign veteran free agent Stefon Diggs. The former Patriot has agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract, according to ESPN.
The signing of Diggs, who totaled 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns for the AFC champion Patriots last season, transforms Washington’s receiving corps from an average group to a position of strength.
A source close to Diggs said the 32-year-old DMV native chose Washington because he was impressed by the entire organization, from the front office to the coaches to the players.
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, wanted a “chance to play with one of best young [quarterbacks] and opposite one of [the] best receivers — and to do it all at home,” the source said.
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The 2015 fifth-round pick out of Maryland has been one of the most decorated and consistent receivers in the league for nearly a decade. His 9,032 receiving yards since 2018 is the third-most in that time period behind only Davante Adams (9,822) and Tyreek Hill (9,587).
His primary strengths are his route-running and catch radius, skills best highlighted by his famous “Minneapolis Miracle” catch with the Vikings during the 2017 playoffs. According to Next Gen Stats, Diggs had the highest catch percentage (83.3%) in the league last season.
Putting a player with 942 career receptions, 11,504 yards and 74 touchdowns alongside Terry McLaurin (498 receptions, 6,961 yards and 41 touchdowns) makes the receiving unit deep and dangerous. The two veterans will be grouped with promising rookie Antonio Williams, who has had breakout moments during training camp; former first-rounder Treylon Burks; veteran Van Jefferson and a host of other young receivers.
Diggs spent the first five seasons of his career with the Vikings before being traded to the Bills in 2020. After four years in Buffalo, Diggs played in Houston before joining the Patriots and reaching last year’s Super Bowl.
Diggs has also garnered headlines away from the field. In May, he was found not guilty of assaulting his private chef. He is currently suing a social media influencer who has accused him of sexual assault and facing a civil lawsuit for accusing a former concierge of stealing his Ferrari.
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