New NFL Rumors on Stefon Diggs, Commanders Amid Brandon Aiyuk Buzz Ahead of 2026 Season

The Washington Commanders are reportedly considering adding another veteran wide receiver amid Brandon Aiyuk's continued interest in playing for the team.

There is mutual interest between the Commanders and Stefon Diggs, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday.

"Washington is monitoring the situation with Diggs, who's intrigued by the chance to play in Washington (he's from the area)," Fowler reported.

Fowler added Diggs joining the Commanders "seems like this is a realistic option as the sides keep in contact."

Diggs hit free agency in March when the New England Patriots released him from his contract following one season with the team.

He started all 17 games for the Patriots, catching 85 passes for 1,013 receiving yards with four touchdowns before adding 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown during the team's run to Super Bowl LX.

The Commanders currently lack veteran wide receivers outside of Terry McLaurin, who missed seven games last season.

Washington added a wideout with third-round pick Antonio Williams, but his experience aligns him with Luke McCaffrey as a slot receiver (h/t The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala).

Washington also has 2025 fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane as well as veteran options Dyami Brown, Van Jefferson and Treylon Burks.

ESPN's John Keim predicted the Commanders are currently set to "mix and match" who plays opposite McLaurin "depending on the matchups and the game plan."

Diggs could potentially slot in as a true WR2 to take some of the pressure off the Commanders' younger wideouts while providing some insurance in case McLaurin misses any time in 2026.

The news comes amid an ongoing contract stalemate between the San Francisco 49ers and Aiyuk, who has repeatedly said on social media this offseason he wants to be released from his contract and play for the Commanders.

Jhabvala reported earlier this offseason the Commanders had some interest in signing Aiyuk were he released from his deal with the Niners, but both she and the ESPN's Nick Wagoner and John Keim more recently reported Aiyuk's social media activity may have lowered the Commanders' interest.

How the Commanders ultimately decide to fill out their wide receiving room will impact Jayden Daniels' ability to bounce back from last season's injury-limited campaign and build on his 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year run.