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Focus is now turning to training camp. But for the Washington Commanders, there remains intense speculation about the possibility of acquiring free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
And one respected NFL analyst believes this has more merit than some are giving it credit for.
During a conversation with JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan, Yahoo Sports analyst Eric Edholm made a compelling case for the Commanders to make Diggs' homecoming dream a reality.
While he has baggage, the wideout may have proven last season that he can toe the line and become a good teammate within a sound structure. That could make him a legitimate option if general manager Adam Peters is intent on finding another dependable veteran to go alongside Terry McLaurin.
"Is Stefon Diggs the more reliable guy at this point? Is he the guy that may have proven last year, even while he got released, that he can be a good soldier for a team, and he can fall in line and be a supportive guy for a young quarterback, not demand the limelight and all that? That was the reputation that followed him and obviously kind of marred some of his great work. I almost kind of wonder if he isn't a legitimate option."
The Commanders are in no rush. Peters is assessing the landscape and taking absolutely everything into account. He wants to give the young guys a shot. But if they don't meet the required standards, that's when action will likely be taken.
Unlike erratic San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, the former Maryland star is staying quiet, working hard in readiness for his next opportunity. Diggs' legal issue is now over, with one pending, which might be enough to pause on this possibility. But from a football standpoint and nothing more, there is a lot of merit to bringing him on board.
Despite being on a snap count last season — the first since recovering from a torn ACL — Diggs went over 1,000 receiving yards as the New England Patriots reached the Super Bowl. His best days might be gone, but he proved last season that there is still a lot of good football left.
It's no secret that Diggs wants his next challenge to be closer to home. He wanted to speak with the Commanders earlier this offseason, but it was radio silence from the club. A report from ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler hinted that Peters was looking to add more speed, which would rule him out. But with his market heating up, it could be now or never.
There was nothing to stop the Commanders from making this move much earlier in the offseason. Peters still has time, but the longer it drags, the more chance of Diggs signing elsewhere becomes.
The clock is ticking...
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This article was originally published on riggosrag.com as Commanders may seriously regret letting the Stefon Diggs clock run out.
