Stefon Diggs Joins Commanders, Leaving Aiyuk in Disarray

WHO:

AP - Stefon Diggs is a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Fox News - Stefon Diggs is a four-time Pro Bowler.

Sportskeeda - Stefon Diggs, Brandon Aiyuk, Washington Commanders, Terry McLaurin, Jayden Daniels

Fox News - Shawne Merriman, Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

WHAT:

AP - Diggs spent last season with the New England Patriots, making 99 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in 21 games, including the Patriots’ playoff run to the Super Bowl.

AP - Diggs was cut by New England in March and went unsigned in free agency while facing strangulation and other criminal charges, but was found not guilty in May.

AP - The Commanders are banking on Diggs filling a hole at the wide receiver position, which was a significant need for their offense.

AP - Aiyuk remains on the reserve/left squad list with the San Francisco 49ers, while Diggs is now in the NFC East, which features receivers CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, DeVonta Smith, and Malik Nabers.

AP - Diggs can reportedly make up to $12 million with the Washington Commanders.

AP - Diggs made 99 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in 21 games last season with the New England Patriots.

AP - Diggs was found not guilty of strangulation and other criminal charges in May.

Fox News - Diggs is expected to join a wide receiver room that includes veterans Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffery, and Dyami Brown.

Heavy NFL - The Washington Commanders signed Stefon Diggs to a free-agent contract.

Fox News - Diggs is expected to sign a one-year contract that is not a minimum salary deal.

FF Today - Diggs is expected to be the No. 2 option for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

WHERE:

AP - Diggs is joining the NFC East, which includes teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants.

Fox News - The signing involves the Washington Commanders, based in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

Fox News - The signing was first reported on a Wednesday.

WHY:

AP - The Commanders had a hole at the wide receiver position that they are banking on Diggs to fill.

Fox News - Aiyuk has been described as a candidate for an intervention due to his bizarre behavior in recent months.

Fox News - The Commanders were in need of wide receiver help for their offense.

Heavy NFL - Diggs was always the team's top wide receiver target over Aiyuk.

HOW:

AP - Diggs is expected to play significant time and be targeted frequently, although he may not be a true every-down player after playing 55% of the offensive snaps in New England last season.

AP - Diggs previously played for Minnesota, Buffalo, and Houston during his NFL career.

Fox News - Aiyuk expressed a desire to join the Commanders, as he was college teammates with quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State.

Fox News - The Commanders expressed interest in Aiyuk earlier but ultimately chose to sign Diggs instead.

The Washington Commanders have signed wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had a standout season with the New England Patriots, making 99 catches for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns during their playoff run to the Super Bowl. After being cut by New England in March and facing criminal charges, Diggs was found not guilty in May and is now expected to fill a significant need for the Commanders' offense. While he may not be a true every-down player, having played 55% of the offensive snaps last season, he is anticipated to see considerable playing time and be targeted frequently.