Andrew Buller-Russ
Training camp is almost here, and while some teams are making last-minute changes, including some blockbuster trades, the Washington Commanders have stood pat. So far. Will they have a change of heart as the team learns more about their talent on hand?
Possibly.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters is constantly evaluating the roster. One area that’s generated a lot of criticism in D.C. is the receiver room. There are a number of available playmakers who could provide an upgrade, including a couple of former stars often linked to the Commanders.
Those two players are Maryland native Stefon Diggs, a current free agent, and Brandon Aiyuk, who’s still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, but has ties to Washington too. Washington’s GM, Adam Peters, was in the room when San Francisco made Aiyuk a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Jayden Daniels was also Aiyuk’s college QB at Arizona State. With both players clearly available, which one should Washington pursue?
Recently, The Athletic‘s Commanders insider, Barry Svrluga, advised the Commanders to steer clear of Aiyuk and pursue a contract with Diggs instead.
“The recommendation here: Stay away from Aiyuk, but take a shot at Diggs. McLaurin may be back and healthy and prepared to play in 17 games for the fifth time in the past six seasons. Even if he does, he needs help — the kind of help that hasn’t yet arrived in Ashburn.”
The Athletic on Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs
Gambling on Diggs, a two-time All-Pro, would certainly be the safer bet, as Aiyuk didn’t play a snap of football last season. Meanwhile, Diggs posted his seventh 1,000-yard season in the past eight years. It’s pretty clear who is more prepared to produce at a high level, but that doesn’t mean Aiyuk, a former second-team All-Pro, isn’t worth a gamble too, for the right price, under the right circumstances.
For now, the Commanders seem fixated on giving their current receiver room a chance to prove everyone wrong. Eventually, either a playmaker will emerge, or the Commanders will admit defeat and seek outside help. It’s only a matter of time.
Related: 8 NFL Trades We’d Like To See After June 1
