Commanders add Stefon Diggs on one-year deal worth up to $12m

Lead

The Washington Commanders have agreed terms with free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a one-year contract, with the deal reported to be worth more than $10 million and capable of reaching $12 million. Source 1Source 2Source 3 The move gives quarterback Jayden Daniels an experienced target alongside Terry McLaurin as Washington prepares for the 2026 campaign. Source 1Source 2

What happened

Reports that Diggs would join Washington emerged on 5 August, with multiple outlets citing league sources, while NFL Network subsequently reported the agreement. Source 1Source 2Source 3 The 32-year-old arrives with 11 seasons of NFL experience and a résumé that includes four Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2020. Source 1Source 2 Diggs spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, before the Patriots released him in March at the start of the new league year. Source 1Source 2

There is also a local connection to the move: Diggs grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and played college football at the University of Maryland. Source 1Source 2Source 3 His reported deal is a one-year arrangement with a value above $10 million and a ceiling of $12 million. Source 1Source 2Source 3

Why it matters

Washington’s receiving depth chart already featured McLaurin, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey and rookie Antonio Williams before Diggs’ arrival, and the signing addresses questions around the top of that group. Source 1Source 2 McLaurin led Washington’s 2025 receiving output with 77 catches for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns. Source 5 Deebo Samuel added 72 receptions for 727 yards and five receiving touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown, in the same season. Source 6

Diggs’ addition therefore places another accomplished receiver alongside McLaurin and gives Daniels an experienced option in the passing game. Source 1Source 2 His 2025 production in New England—85 catches, 1,013 yards and four scores—shows he remained a significant contributor last season. Source 1Source 2

The signing comes after Washington finished third in the NFC East at 5-12 in 2025, scoring 356 points while conceding 451. Source 4 It is a targeted addition to an offence that now has Diggs joining McLaurin and Samuel among its established receiving options. Source 1Source 2Source 5Source 6

What’s next

Washington’s first listed pre-season game is at home to Miami on 14 August. Source 7 The Commanders then open the regular season away to Philadelphia on 13 September. Source 7 A scheduled international fixture against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London follows on 4 October. Source 8

Notes

The available reports describe the contract as a one-year deal worth more than $10 million and up to $12 million, rather than detailing how the maximum value is structured. Source 1Source 2Source 3 Diggs’ on-field role and the eventual distribution of targets within Washington’s receiver group remain to be determined. Source 1Source 2Source 5Source 6