Stefon Diggs Signs $12M Washington Deal After Posting 1,013 Yards in 2025

Stefon Diggs joined the Washington Commanders on a one-year contract worth up to $12 million following a 1,013-yard season with the New England Patriots.

ASHBURN, Va. — Stefon Diggs signed a one-year contract worth up to $12 million with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, joining the team after a season where he recorded 1,013 receiving yards for the New England Patriots. Despite coming off a torn ACL in 2024 that limited him to eight games that year, Diggs has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in seven of his last eight full seasons. During the Patriots' recent Super Bowl run, he achieved these statistics while running the fewest routes of his career in any season where he appeared in more than eight contests.

New England released the veteran wideout following the conclusion of the season to avoid a $26.5 million cap hit scheduled for 2026. Diggs, who has now changed teams three times in a three-year span, participated in his first practice on Friday. During the session, he took a handful of snaps in full-team drills and worked directly with receivers coach Bobby Engram on route running. The Maryland native has historically performed well against Washington, totaling 38 receptions for 558 yards and one touchdown in five career games against his new franchise.

Roster Impact and Offensive Versatility

Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the acquisition was necessary to provide a proven option opposite Terry McLaurin. McLaurin entered the league in 2019 and had recorded five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before falling short last year while missing seven games. The only other teammate McLaurin has played with who previously reached the 1,000-yard milestone is Deebo Samuel, who achieved that feat with the San Francisco 49ers four years prior to joining the Commanders.

Quinn highlighted Diggs' suddenness and his ability to play both inside and outside positions. The coaching staff plans to utilize his competitiveness in man-to-man coverage, specifically noting his effectiveness as a slot receiver. Quinn noted that if a defender loses leverage against Diggs, it typically results in an explosive play. Diggs expressed his desire to bring a "dog mindset" to the locker room while maintaining what he described as a humble approach to his role.

Partnership with Jayden Daniels

Following Friday's practice, Diggs spent time on the field with quarterback Jayden Daniels, jogging through routes and catching passes from the rookie. This marks the third consecutive season Diggs will catch passes from a young signal-caller, having played with C.J. Stroud in 2024 and Drake Maye in 2025. Diggs referred to Daniels as a "superstar" and noted his familiarity with working alongside developing quarterbacks.

Diggs grew up in Maryland and played for the University of Maryland, located near the Commanders' home stadium. He noted that his family is split between Washington and Dallas Cowboys fans. The receiver admitted to playing with a chip on his shoulder throughout his 11-season career, particularly when facing local teams like the Baltimore Ravens or Washington, because he felt they passed on him during the draft process.

Statistical Consistency and Leadership

John Keim reported that Diggs’ leadership was cited by New England coaches and players as a primary factor in their recent success. While Diggs publicly referred to himself as the best "No. 2" receiver on camera, he clarified on Friday that in his heart, he considers himself the best "No. 1" in the NFL. He maintains that his productivity has remained constant despite the recent knee injury and team transitions.

Washington targeted Diggs as their primary free-agent option to bolster a receiving corps that lacked veteran depth. The one-year agreement allows the team to integrate his 11 years of experience immediately. Diggs stated he hopes to be a piece in the process of leading the team in a positive direction, citing his history of consistent production as evidence of what he brings to the Ashburn facility.