The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[skinsinparadise]

It's a bunch of aggregators running with it as fact now. I was curious if I missed something. Has anyone brought him in for a visit yet?

Don't think so as to visits for Diggs.

I just listened to Keim's new podcast, not much but a little bit:

A. Thinks more likely Aiyuk than Diggs
B. But the challenge with Aiyuk is you got no idea when he becomes free
C. Diggs likely has more competition to sign him and likely gets more money than Aiyuk
D. He does think they will do something at WR -- though again its more likely its Aiyuk

 

[skinsinparadise]

Just finished Keim's podcast, with Greg Cosell.

Good listen. Short version of it.

A. He's very high on the defense, loves the additions

B. Thinks the offense is incomplete, need a #2 WR and he's not sold on their TE room

C. Good with the RBs, vague though on it, doesn't come off in love with any one of them though, feels its a RB by committee room without an obvious lead RB, is a fan of K. Allen.

D. Likes Antonio Williams a lot, but thinks its premature to count on him before he takes a snap

 

[CapsCommies]

Don't think so as to visits for Diggs.

I just listened to Keim's new podcast, not much but a little bit:

A. Thinks more likely Aiyuk than Diggs
B. But the challenge with Aiyuk is you got no idea when he becomes free
C. Diggs likely has more competition to sign him and likely gets more money than Aiyuk
D. He does think they will do something at WR -- though again its more likely its Aiyuk

This is a bit puzzling and concerning to me. If the Diggs hesitation was character-related, then I get it. But if character isn't an inhibiting factor, then he should absolutely be preferred to Aiyuk. He got 1K yards last season and is known to be one of the most precise and polished route runners, which is the kind of receiver Jayden needs (granted every QB would benefit from that). Aiyuk is a complete wildcard both in terms of availability and capability at this point.

It's pretty obvious Diggs will get more money than Aiyuk, as he should. Frankly, Peters should be aiming to sign both. The idea that, "hey we're cool with Diggs from an off-the-field character standpoint, but still prefer Brandon Aiyuk the player" is kind of alarming.

 

[DWinzit]

This is a bit puzzling and concerning to me. If the Diggs hesitation was character-related, then I get it. But if character isn't an inhibiting factor, then he should absolutely be preferred to Aiyuk. He got 1K yards last season and is known to be one of the most precise and polished route runners, which is the kind of receiver Jayden needs (granted every QB would benefit from that). Aiyuk is a complete wildcard both in terms of availability and capability at this point.

It's pretty obvious Diggs will get more money than Aiyuk, as he should. Frankly, Peters should be aiming to sign both. The idea that, "hey we're cool with Diggs from an off-the-field character standpoint, but still prefer Brandon Aiyuk the player" is kind of alarming.

You're not wrong. I think AP has great history with Aiyuk and believes I him and his character. Also Diggs is not as good on the outside as he once was and Aiyuks future
potential excites AP

 

[NickyJ]

This is a bit puzzling and concerning to me. If the Diggs hesitation was character-related, then I get it. But if character isn't an inhibiting factor, then he should absolutely be preferred to Aiyuk. He got 1K yards last season and is known to be one of the most precise and polished route runners, which is the kind of receiver Jayden needs (granted every QB would benefit from that). Aiyuk is a complete wildcard both in terms of availability and capability at this point.

It's pretty obvious Diggs will get more money than Aiyuk, as he should. Frankly, Peters should be aiming to sign both. The idea that, "hey we're cool with Diggs from an off-the-field character standpoint, but still prefer Brandon Aiyuk the player" is kind of alarming.

The upside for Aiyuk vs. Diggs is that Aiyuk is 28 and Diggs is 32. Aiyuk should hopefully be more healthy, and really missing 2 years of wear and tear on him aside from the fact that what took him off the field were significant injuries.

That also means he hasn't had his body tempered by the stress of actual games in 2 years, let alone the fact that he needs time to study a new team's playbook in short order.

But if AP truly believes that Aiyuk will be 100% game ready and at peak athleticism the moment he walks into the team facility, then Aiyuk does have the greater upside.

I want a Diggs in though. Aiyuk can earn his playing time in due time.

 

[Knightingale]

In my head, the issues with Aiyuk is that while he might be healthy, is he in football shape? Has he been diligent enough to keep himself in that shaper over the last two years?

The issue with Diggs is he's 32, which pretty much puts us in a similar boat to where we are with McLaurin.

I woulldn't be opposed to bringing them both in on short deals and see what they've got. Maybe run with Diggs early and ease Aiyuk in.
If Aiyuk has got it still, then we take another look next year and see how any renegotiations with Terry go, and how McCaffrey develops. As much as I love Terry, we really need a youth movement at the position.

 

[burgold]

To a degree, I'm worried about Aiyuk's mental shape more than his physical shape and I don't even mean the weird stuff. I just worry that there's a mindset you lose when you step out of a world for a long time. Edges need to be constantly sharpened. They quickly can grow dull. In Portis' later years, we saw him get down to avoid contact. It was more important for him to self-protect then get that extra yard or try to break a tackle. Is Aiyuk competively sharp? If not, how long does it restoke that fire? Does he love the game and the punishment you endure in it enough to rekindle his hunger into a blaze?

 

[skinsinparadise]

The upside for Aiyuk vs. Diggs is that Aiyuk is 28 and Diggs is 32. Aiyuk should hopefully be more healthy, and really missing 2 years of wear and tear on him aside from the fact that what took him off the field were significant injuries.

That also means he hasn't had his body tempered by the stress of actual games in 2 years, let alone the fact that he needs time to study a new team's playbook in short order.

But if AP truly believes that Aiyuk will be 100% game ready and at peak athleticism the moment he walks into the team facility, then Aiyuk does have the greater upside.

I want a Diggs in though. Aiyuk can earn his playing time in due time.

Some players struggle after being out of the game for a year. Look at Michael Gallup last summer for example. L. Bell from the Steeelers, etc. So while Aiyuk's body might be refreshed from two years off, its also possible he's not the same player, it happpens.

Logan Paulsen talked about this some, your body when it stops that process of being game ready for some time, sometimes just doesn't bounce back.

 

[skinsinparadise]

This is a bit puzzling and concerning to me. If the Diggs hesitation was character-related, then I get it. But if character isn't an inhibiting factor, then he should absolutely be preferred to Aiyuk. He got 1K yards last season and is known to be one of the most precise and polished route runners, which is the kind of receiver Jayden needs (granted every QB would benefit from that). Aiyuk is a complete wildcard both in terms of availability and capability at this point.

It's pretty obvious Diggs will get more money than Aiyuk, as he should. Frankly, Peters should be aiming to sign both. The idea that, "hey we're cool with Diggs from an off-the-field character standpoint, but still prefer Brandon Aiyuk the player" is kind of alarming.

Keim tends to be subtle and its possible to make too much out of his subtley. But for what its worth, he seems to be hinting on three things that might make them favor Aiyuk

A. He is likely cheaper
B. They've already invested thought in him being the guy
C. If he hits then they have a #1 Wr replacement for Terry next year or the year after because of his age

 

[DWinzit]

Keim tends to be subtle and its possible to make too much out of his subtley. But for what its worth, he seems to be hinting on three things that might make them favor Aiyuk

A. He is likely cheaper
B. They've already invested thought in him being the guy
C. If he hits then they have a #1 Wr replacement for Terry next year or the year after because of his age

Yes all that said, it seems as though Aiyuk will be penciled in the roster regardless of when he is available...and the Niners know it and are pissed.

I hate that we again are in a crap spot with starting WR's and dependent on the unknown. Last year it was if and when Terry would sign and get on the freaking field and be playing at his normal capabilities.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Yes all that said, it seems as though Aiyuk will be penciled in the roster regardless of when he is available...and the Niners know it and are pissed.

I hate that we again are in a crap spot with starting WR's and dependent on the unknown. Last year it was if and when Terry would sign and get on the freaking field and be playing at his normal capabilities.

I know I got some pushback on this point. And I of course got no idea if my guess is right, no way to know.

But I recall the period where I kept hearing SF will release Aiyuk at the end of the first week of FA.

And i also recall days before that when Peters in his press conference when asked about Aiyuk came off very enthusiastic about him, saying he's a great dude, etc. I was expecting him to play a bit more poker, going no comment, and giving nothing away,

I know Kyle and that SF FO have a good relationship woth Peters but in their shoes Peters basically endorsing Aiyuk's personality and hinting enough that they want him, would irritate me.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Yes all that said, it seems as though Aiyuk will be penciled in the roster regardless of when he is available...and the Niners know it and are pissed.

I hate that we again are in a crap spot with starting WR's and dependent on the unknown. Last year it was if and when Terry would sign and get on the freaking field and be playing at his normal capabilities.

It's a good point, this FO seems to be patient to a fault to let things play out at WR.

The problem is they can't slow walk their way through September this time with this schedule.

 

[DWinzit]

It's a good point, this FO seems to be patient to a fault to let things play out at WR.

The problem is they can't slow walk their way through September this time with this schedule.

For sure or you can chalk up an 0-4 before they're out of the gate...and with 2 new coordinators so everyone is learning the systems. I think the D will be okay, it's the O that concerns me if no WR2 by Augustt

 

[Boone]

Been a lurker here for a while (and diehard skins fan for 40 years) and I shudder to even ask this question, but why would Diggs even WANT to come here over the Chiefs? He’s clearly chasing a ring as he knows his time is short. Who gives him the best odds? Does he take less money to come to the chiefs than whatever we may pay him?

This isn’t to say I don’t want Diggs. I do. He’d be an immediate contributor. But if he signs with the chiefs and then folks say “we missed again” or we “we didn’t pay him enough”, are missing the point with some of these veteran players. He wants to win.

Vegas has the chiefs at much better odds to win more games and therefore get to the Super Bowl over us. Who would you rather have throwing the ball to you? Mahomes or Jayden? If you were in Diggs shoes, what would you want?

Yes - this is the factor that we as fans often don't give enough attention to - that free agents get to choose where they land. And while you bring up one factor, how likely the team is to get to a Super Bowl, that's just one of a hundred. State taxes might be a factor. Cost of living. What the wife or girlfriend wants. Weather. Relationships with players or coaches on a potential new team. There are probably a hundred possible factors that we don't always think about.

 

[KDawg]

Yes - this is the factor that we as fans often don't give enough attention to - that free agents get to choose where they land. And while you bring up one factor, how likely the team is to get to a Super Bowl, that's just one of a hundred. State taxes might be a factor. Cost of living. What the wife or girlfriend wants. Weather. Relationships with players or coaches on a potential new team. There are probably a hundred possible factors that we don't always think about.

It’s a factor that many of us have discussed this offseason as well… we aren’t a destination for many. There’s been some pushback on that, but it’s apparent that there are more reasons not to choose us than there are to choose us.

Why not:
-Taxes/Money
-Coaching situation
-bad last year
-looks like a rebuild
-roster in flux
-relocation
-weather

Why:
-Jayden
-opportunities for playing time
-we were close in 2024
-exciting potential in coordinators
-if we overpay

It’s a good point for sure. And one that we have discussed.

Free will has cost us a few players, I’d think. And the way you fix that is get good or change things.

Resetting with two new coordinators probably hurt us more than helped us. Generally, if both coordinators go, the HC should as well as there is a risk that the HC is now a potential lame duck.

We’ll see how it plays out.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I recall hearing a couple of national insiders say during the height of the 2024 season that players wanted to come to Washington and that was a change, it was in vogue-hot. If so, too bad it coincided with an off season where this team wasn't aggressive in FA.

They had sort of a short honeymoom period where we had:

A. Jayden spoken about as the next Mahomes
B. 10 page articles about how Quinn is a master culture builder and how he changed the organization
C. Peters being this GM genius who overhauiled a bad roster overnight

It's wild how most of that has flipped in one season and the NFC East dormat in recent years, the Ny Giants, are seen as more of the sexy team as to a brighter future by some than this team.

lol, hopefully my Rocky 3 analogy that I started using last summer also ends like the movie does.

As to FA, some say in the end its money that drives where players go, everything being equal of course destination matters, but agents-personnel guys have said the money rarely is equal because of its not about the base salary, it could be incentives, guaranteed money, etc -- often something.

But clearly also some players aren't diven by money.

At least judging by narratives, true or not true, I don't know. Washington might have offered Doubs more money but he wanted to play with Maye. And one in our favor, supposedly Chaisson took less money to play here versus NO.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[Ashburn Dave]

I recall hearing a couple of national insiders say during the height of the 2024 season that players wanted to come to Washington and that was a change, it was in vogue-hot. If so, too bad it coincided with an off season where this team wasn't aggressive in FA.

They had sort of a short honeymoom period where we had:

A. Jayden spoken about as the next Mahomes
B. 10 page articles about how Quinn is a master culture builder and how he changed the organization
C. Peters being this GM genius who overhauiled a bad roster overnight

It's wild how most of that has flipped in one season and the NFC East dormat in recent years, the Ny Giants, are seen as more of the sexy team as to a brighter future by some than this team.

lol, hopefully my Rocky 3 analogy that I started using last summer also ends like the movie does.

As to FA, some say in the end its money that drives where players go, everything being equal of course destination matters, but agents-personnel guys have said the money rarely is equal because of its not about the base salary, it could be incentives, guaranteed money, etc -- often something.

But clearly also some players aren't diven by money.

At least judging by narratives, true or not true, I don't know. Washington might have offered Doubs more money but he wanted to play with Maye. And one in our favor, supposedly Chaisson took less money to play here versus NO.

Rocky III with Thunderlips was my favorite Rocky.

Hopefully your analogy is right there.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Listening to Logan on Standig today, he comes off concerned about Aiyuk from the context of a late camp signing, and might be ne ready to go-full gear into weeks 6-8/

Sheehan talking on the radio today, mentioned hearing the Rams might have some interest in Diggs, so he goes how many more weapons do the Rams need? And then goes he wants this team to be aggressive on this and sign both Aiyuk and Diggs.

 

[DWinzit]

Listening to Logan on Standig today, he comes off concerned about Aiyuk from the context of a late camp signing, and might be ne ready to go-full gear into weeks 6-8/

Sheehan talking on the radio today, mentioned hearing the Rams might have some interest in Diggs, so he goes how many more weapons do the Rams need? And then goes he wants this team to be aggressive on this and sign both Aiyuk and Diggs.

Signing Diggs now and Aiyuk if and when he is free makes sense. There would then not be concern for Aiyuk to be ready week one but there for the second half of the season and next year.

I do get the concern that Diggs would take slot opportunity from Williams and the other young receivers. That's why I thought it would have more sense to have done that with Jennings and Aiyuk