The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[skinsinparadise]

Why the names Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs still hang over the Commanders​

And yet it says here that the most pertinent question around a franchise approaching a pivotal season isn’t about McLaurin. It’s about what’s around him. Namely: Is there enough talent at receiver to help put behind a disappointing 2025 and return to the playoffs in 2026?

...That’s great. First thing I see is a group in which no player other than McLaurin caught more than 29 passes for 350 yards a year ago. That was veteran Van Jefferson, who put forth that modest effort for the Tennessee Titans. The other veterans on hand at Commanders OTAs caught 20, 16, 11, 10 and one balls for 227, 225, 203, 130 and 25 yards, respectively.

Again, is that enough?

“It’s the NFL,” McLaurin said. “Somebody always steps up.”

Somebody needs to.

...But there’s a reason why the names Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs still hang over the offseason. It’s because — and here’s your quiz answer — Dyami Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks and Jacoby Jones don’t collectively scream, “We’re fine here.”

“We believe in their abilities,” McLaurin said. “Now it’s about them going out there and showing it. And I encourage them all, ‘You gotta treat that like it’s your spot. You’re not trying to give it up. Every rep you get, you got to make the most of it.’”

...But until Aiyuk either returns to the San Francisco 49ers (which isn’t happening) or is cut, and Diggs, who helped the New England Patriots to an AFC championship a year ago, signs with another team, Commanders fans have the right to wonder: Why not kick the tires?

Start with Aiyuk, because his is simultaneously the more logical and perplexing case.

He is connected to the Commanders because he played with Daniels at Arizona State. He is connected with the Commanders because general manager Adam Peters was with the 49ers when they drafted him in 2020 and when he had 1,342 receiving yards in 2023. But he hasn’t played a snap since shredding his knee seven games into the 2024 season. And because he cut off communication with the 49ers during his rehab, it’s fair to ask: What’s going on?

“I don’t have a sense on it,” Daniels said last week. “That is my brother. We have a personal relationship. But his football future is out of my control.”

Aiyuk follows all of five accounts on Instagram — including a shoe company, his wife, the Commanders and Daniels.

But don’t assume Aiyuk will be a Commander if and when the 49ers cut him. There are just too many unknowns — and that was even before a warrant was issued in California for Aiyuk’s arrest on Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of “exhibition of speed.”

The first and most significant: Aiyuk’s mental state and his intentions with his career. If he really wants out of San Francisco — and it’s apparent that he does — then all he has to do is show up for one of the 49ers’ offseason workouts. Step on the field, and there are people who believe the Niners would cut him instantly because they don’t want to be responsible for paying him in 2026 should he get hurt in the offseason.

Secondly, it’s reasonable to wonder — given the severity of Aiyuk’s injury — how effective he could be as a receiver at 28 with a rebuilt knee. Given the questions about his body and mind, Aiyuk needs to be with a team during the offseason, showing his physical form and his commitment. Yet every day he’s still on the 49ers’ roster is a day he’s not with his new team, be it the Commanders or someone else, learning and fitting into a new system. That can’t help.

...Would signing Diggs make the Commanders’ receiving corps a strength? No. Would it take some heat off a group of pass catchers that currently doesn’t have its top two players in receptions from a year ago, Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz? Yes. Those 122 catches come from somewhere.

Maybe that’s from the group on hand.

“There’s still roles in how we’d work, and some experimenting, for sure, that needs to take place now and into camp as well,” Quinn said.

The experimenting, for the moment, is with a bunch of guys who collectively warrant a shrug of the shoulders. The recommendation here would be: 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.

 

[DWinzit]

Would Boutte be considered a legit WR3 and a questionable WR2 on our current roster?

If so, then AP should be feeling out trade options.

 

[ES1974]

I’d throw a pick towards the Ravens for Rashod Bateman.

 

[RedWolf]

Food for thought

 

[Discobob]

Would Boutte be considered a legit WR3 and a questionable WR2 on our current roster?

If so, then AP should be feeling out trade options.

I think he'd be a legit option, but I'm not super excited about making a trade for him. I'm sympathetic to the fact that he's a boundary player and a guy like Diggs really isn't anymore. I'm just not convinced that it's worth giving up an asset for him over just waiting to see who else comes available this summer.

Although, I would at least talk to JD5 and hear his thoughts from playing together at LSU. I know some folks are annoyed about bringing in Jayden's college buddies, but if he previously developed chemistry throwing to a player.... that's a bonus in my book.

 

[DWinzit]

I think he'd be a legit option, but I'm not super excited about making a trade for him. I'm sympathetic to the fact that he's a boundary player and a guy like Diggs really isn't anymore. I'm just not convinced that it's worth giving up an asset for him over just waiting to see who else comes available this summer.

Although, I would at least talk to JD5 and hear his thoughts from playing together at LSU. I know some folks are annoyed about bringing in Jayden's college buddies, but if he previously developed chemistry throwing to a player.... that's a bonus in my book.

Surely I'd want to know Jaydens thoughts as well. The thing is, we don't have a proven legit WR3 or better on the roster outside of Terry. I wasn't looking at this from the standpoint that they knew each other, but the fact that he is a proven boundary player which we could use.

 

[DWinzit]

Food for thought

It makes lots of sense that Chig would be his new best friend. However it will be a new offense and his best friend could become, Sinnott, White, name the other RB or WR

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think he'd be a legit option, but I'm not super excited about making a trade for him. I'm sympathetic to the fact that he's a boundary player and a guy like Diggs really isn't anymore. I'm just not convinced that it's worth giving up an asset for him over just waiting to see who else comes available this summer.

Although, I would at least talk to JD5 and hear his thoughts from playing together at LSU. I know some folks are annoyed about bringing in Jayden's college buddies, but if he previously developed chemistry throwing to a player.... that's a bonus in my book.

Yeah i am not excited about him but begges can't be choosers and I like the deep threat component to his game.

 

[Commander Wraith]

I find myself in sort of a middle ground position on the topic

Has Peters done enough in terms of surrounding Jayden with weapons? No.

Has Peters been aggressive in trying to do the above? Only somewhat. Virtually no aggressiveness in ‘24, beyond drafting Sinnott. In ‘25, trading for Deebo and extending Terry was semi-aggressive, IMO. This offseason, going after Pierce/Doubs for significant money was aggressive, as was signing Okonkwo. I can waive off not pursuing Wandale Robinson or a guy like Nailor. I don’t consider drafting mid-round receivers as aggressive, but a 1st rounder wasn’t in the cards this year. Perhaps he could/should have pursued Likely or Njoku, but we’d be paying them to be competing to be our 3rd TE, the staff likes Cager, and we have young guys with some upside competing for TE #3/4. Diggs is TBD (more on that later). So, I see AP adapting this year (for whatever reason), even if the outcome hasn’t matched the intent. Although the difference is subtle, I see this as things not working out, vs a failure in execution.

I get the impression Peters has learned other lessons as well, beyond ramping up the aggressiveness. The importance of depth, not relying on players with injury histories, bringing in younger players, and (specific to receiver) drafting a more pro-ready one in Williams vs McCaffrey/Lane 2.0.

I don’t really subscribe to the idea that Peters (inherently) is smarter than us fans. With that said, he does naturally have more info than us (including analytics, character info, financials, etc) and probably has things a bit more mapped out than we do. So, while I’m not going to assume he knows better, I also don’t want to judge him when I don’t have access to those unknowns. All I can/will judge him on (IMO) are end results. That doesn’t mean I think we shouldn’t offer our opinions though.

Barring a trade or surprise big cut (both of which we’re poised to take advantage of in terms of cap space), Diggs is the last potential aggressive move we could make. So why haven’t we signed him, and/or why haven’t we heard reports we’re interested? To me, these 2 points bring up a host of questions.
1. Do we know Peters hasn’t made an offer?
2. Do we know Peters hasn’t reached out to his agent and been told Diggs wants to wait?
3. Does Peters want to wait and see what the young guys look like?
4. Are cash constraints a factor?
5. Is Peters more interested in a longer term solution?
6. Is he concerned about fit character-wise, ability-wise?
7. Is he wanting guys that can grow with Jayden?
8. Is he worried about Diggs stymying development/opportunities for the young guys?
9. Are age/injury a concern?
10. Has Peters decided he’d rather save money for potential trades/cuts?
11. Is there a belief this group (combined with Terry/Chig/White) offers enough competition, athleticism, ability variance, etc, to fill the role(s)?
12. Has the money Diggs would cost been penciled in elsewhere (to roll over for Jayden’s contract or whatever)?
13. Is there a blend of the above considerations/factors?

Although longer than I meant, this post isn’t meant to be exhaustive (I forgot to mention Jennings, for instance)… I think there’s just so much that is unknown.

The optimistic side of me thinks this offense can surprise, even without a high quality #2 receiver, and I don’t think it’ll take some stunning improvement from the young guys, Okonkwo having a monster year, Williams being a stud, or Jayden running for 800+ yards again.

I also think AP needs to be constantly striving to improve Jayden’s weapons. I do like that there’s a lot of potential, considering how much youth (and/or guys in their prime) we have, but it’s been disappointing thus far through 3 years with AP at the helm. At a certain point, intent and potential isn’t enough.

 

[Riggo44]

Look at Chicago. Their message to Caleb Williams wasn't, "You got sick talent, so go elevate everyone around you." It was, "We're going to make this as easy as possible for you." hey traded previously for a legitimate No. 1 receiver. They drafted a top-10 WR. Signed a good veteran WR. And TE. Then a year later they added another first-round pass catching TE. Then another receiver in the early second round. Then another pass catcher in the third. And another TE in the third. They even outbid Washington for Olamide Zaccheaus, for depth. They didn't just help Caleb, they went nuts doing it. They upgraded the offensive line. They hired one of the best play-callers available. They built enough depth that injuries wouldn't derail the entire offense.

New England hasn't gone quite as far, but look at what they've done for Drake Maye. In a few short years they've transformed a barren supporting cast into one loaded with options. At tight end alone, they have multiple pass-catching threats including one of my favs in that last draft.

Now compare that to Washington. Adam Peters has used exactly zero first- or second-round picks on wide receivers. He has signed zero premium free-agent receivers. None. Nada. Zip. Most of the additions have been bargain signings, reclamation projects, street free agents, or players viewed around the league as WR4 types.

I am going to continue to push against this narrative because it adjusts facts to fit a narrative--I am sure everyone is shocked. While the Bears have done well to put weapons around Caleb, they have had far more opportunity and resources to do so. They've had 4 top 10 picks in three years to our 1. While Poles was being gifted an absolute haul in 2023 for the #1 overall pick, the one that netted them Darnell Williams, DJ Moore, Luther Burden, Tyrique Stevenson, and Caleb Williams, AND allowed them to take Rome Odunze, our illustrious GM was taking Emmanuel Forbes over current OPOY Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This was after passing on Olave to take three guys who are backups, at best. This was also after passing Darrisaw for a LB that's out of the league, for all practical purposes. on Likewise, both Poles and Paton, who you have praised for "running circles around Peters" have taken far longer to reach any kind of success than Peters did in this first year. This is like giving one kid $80,000 for a car, and the 2nd $20,000 and wondering why one has a fully loaded BMW X5 and the other has a used Toyota Rav4. Likewise, there are opportunity costs that are ignored in your argument: are you passing on Conerly to take Burden or Jayden Higgins? Are you not making the trade for Tunsil, so we can take Denzel Boston or Germie Bernard (the next two WRs taken after where 2nd our pick would have been)? Are you passing on Sonny Styles to take Tyson or Lemon? Or, are you giving up THAT package for Waddle?

Also--Poles made the cardinal sin in the NFL: He took the wrong QB...and their defense sucks, and probably got ostensibly worse. They lived and died by turnovers last year. They were 30th in non-turnover EPA in the NFL--and that was largely healthy--and they lost their top turnover producers in Brisker, Byard, and Wright. We have disagreed on the Roush over Height selection--I get you value stacking weapons and prepare for injuries. But if all goes well, Roush maybe sees 25% of the snaps? Height would be an immediate contributor on that defense that sorely lacks pass rush. That's poor drafting. If Poles was our GM, many here would be calling for his head, not praising him.

Also, you said most of the additions have been bargain signings, reclamation project, street free agents. Another half-truth. Peters has drafted a receiver AND an offensive lineman every year he's been here-- AND a RB two of the three years. without the benefit of a haul like the Bears got. Complete double standard there, given your praise for the Bears taking Roush and Zavion Thomas, while neglecting glaring needs.

I understand you are focusing on weapons, but I prefer to look at the entire roster. We just saw two teams get to the AFC title absolutely carried by their defense--and the Patriots offense was particularly atrocious when they had to face real competition. If just having a great cadre of weapons was a prerequisite for winning the Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Lions, and Falcons would won a lot more than they have recently.

To their credit, the Pats did a good job adding weapons--landing Doubs and trading for Brown. The latter benefits the Commanders, so good for them. But Wolf gave up a 1st...and there was 0% chance Brown was getting dealt in the NFC, let alone in division. So that's an opportunity that was not afforded us. Missing on Pierce and Doubs is debatable all you like--Doubs supposedly chose Maye over Daniels, which is an easy choice, coming off a SB appearance. How do we combat that? Offer more? What did we offer?

One more thing where we disagree--I'd much rather rely on LMC, Lane, Williams, then sign JAGs like Mooney, Austin or any of the other second-tier FA receivers. Austin isn't any better than Brown or Jefferson.

 

[Riggo44]

I mean, Keim has reported about a thousand times that they have Aiyuk interest once he’s a FA, that’s pretty much enough to know that it’s real. When other veteran WR options have come up after we swung and missed on the big names in FA, his answer is always “haven’t heard they’re interested in X. But Aiyuk remains an option for them” over and over

He has ALSO said they are not putting all their eggs in that basket.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Would Boutte be considered a legit WR3 and a questionable WR2 on our current roster?

If so, then AP should be feeling out trade options.

I think so.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I am going to continue to push against this narrative because it adjusts facts to fit a narrative--I am sure everyone is shocked. While the Bears have done well to put weapons around Caleb, they have had far more opportunity and resources to do so. They've had 4 top 10 picks in three years to our 1. While Poles was being gifted an absolute haul in 2023 for the #1 overall pick, the one that netted them Darnell Williams, DJ Moore, Luther Burden, Tyrique Stevenson, and Caleb Williams, AND allowed them to take Rome Odunze, our illustrious GM was taking Emmanuel Forbes over current OPOY Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This was after passing on Olave to take three guys who are backups, at best. This was also after passing Darrisaw for a LB that's out of the league, for all practical purposes. on Likewise, both Poles and Paton, who you have praised for "running circles around Peters" have taken far longer to reach any kind of success than Peters did in this first year. This is like giving one kid $80,000 for a car, and the 2nd $20,000 and wondering why one has a fully loaded BMW X5 and the other has a used Toyota Rav4. Likewise, there are opportunity costs that are ignored in your argument: are you passing on Conerly to take Burden or Jayden Higgins? Are you not making the trade for Tunsil, so we can take Denzel Boston or Germie Bernard (the next two WRs taken after where 2nd our pick would have been)? Are you passing on Sonny Styles to take Tyson or Lemon? Or, are you giving up THAT package for Waddle?

Also--Poles made the cardinal sin in the NFL: He took the wrong QB...and their defense sucks, and probably got ostensibly worse. They lived and died by turnovers last year. They were 30th in non-turnover EPA in the NFL--and that was largely healthy--and they lost their top turnover producers in Brisker, Byard, and Wright. We have disagreed on the Roush over Height selection--I get you value stacking weapons and prepare for injuries. But if all goes well, Roush maybe sees 25% of the snaps? Height would be an immediate contributor on that defense that sorely lacks pass rush. That's poor drafting. If Poles was our GM, many here would be calling for his head, not praising him.

Also, you said most of the additions have been bargain signings, reclamation project, street free agents. Another half-truth. Peters has drafted a receiver AND an offensive lineman every year he's been here-- AND a RB two of the three years. without the benefit of a haul like the Bears got. Complete double standard there, given your praise for the Bears taking Roush and Zavion Thomas, while neglecting glaring needs.

I understand you are focusing on weapons, but I prefer to look at the entire roster. We just saw two teams get to the AFC title absolutely carried by their defense--and the Patriots offense was particularly atrocious when they had to face real competition. If just having a great cadre of weapons was a prerequisite for winning the Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Lions, and Falcons would won a lot more than they have recently.

To their credit, the Pats did a good job adding weapons--landing Doubs and trading for Brown. The latter benefits the Commanders, so good for them. But Wolf gave up a 1st...and there was 0% chance Brown was getting dealt in the NFC, let alone in division. So that's an opportunity that was not afforded us. Missing on Pierce and Doubs is debatable all you like--Doubs supposedly chose Maye over Daniels, which is an easy choice, coming off a SB appearance. How do we combat that? Offer more? What did we offer?

One more thing where we disagree--I'd much rather rely on LMC, Lane, Williams, then sign JAGs like Mooney, Austin or any of the other second-tier FA receivers. Austin isn't any better than Brown or Jefferson.

You've got a few strawman arguments in there, along with a hit that I'm adjusting facts to fit a narrative. The irony is that much of your post does exactly what you're accusing me of doing. And a point you make in the mix of that post is built around countering a point I never actually made in the first place.

So I'll pass on debating that post.

I think I've made my position pretty clear at this point. Some people agree with it, some don't, and that's perfectly fine. We can look at the same information and come away with VERY different conclusions. And its all good.

 

[Riggo44]

And a point you make in the mix of that post is built around countering a point I never actually made in the first place.

Which one is that?

If you took it personally, that was not my intention. We all have our biases and prejudices which work our way into arguments whether we mean to or not.

 

[Conn]

He has ALSO said they are not putting all their eggs in that basket.

Well, I assume that just means if Aiyuk continues to spiral and/or doesn’t come available, they don’t see themselves as boned. Meaning he’s the garnish on their current plans after they didn’t get their top targets in FA, so don’t expect a pivot to another vet if Aiyuk doesn’t happen

As opposed to the other way to interpret “not putting all their eggs in that basket”, which would be having alternatives lined up if it’s not him. And unless they were waiting for Boutte to become an obvious target (there was one rumor about that a month or two ago), then I think Aiyuk IS the only egg in their hypothetical basket. With them feeling just fine if the basket ends up empty at this point, in that case

 

[Riggo44]

Well, I assume that just means if Aiyuk continues to spiral and/or doesn’t come available, they don’t see themselves as boned. Meaning he’s the garnish on their current plans after they didn’t get their top targets in FA, so don’t expect a pivot to another vet if Aiyuk doesn’t happen

I've never wanted any part of Brandon Aiyuk. The 9ers have their part there, but man, that guy stinks like the trashcan behind the Municipal Fish Market on a 98 degree summer day.

 

[Riggo44]

Luke McCaffery, played in 8 games (he technically played in 9, but was hurt early in his 9th game, and played 0 offensive snaps), and was on a 23 rec 445 yard, 6 TD pace. He stays healthy and puts up those numbers, how much better do we feel about him? A 30-35 rec. 550-600 yard 6 TD season is not out of the question.

Christian Watson just signed a $110m extension putting up those kinds of numbers.

 

[Conn]

I've never wanted any part of Brandon Aiyuk. The 9ers have their part there, but man, that guy stinks like the trashcan behind the Municipal Fish Market on a 98 degree summer day.

Yeah I mean the guy seems like a major doodoo-for-brains. I’d be happy to give him a shot to see if he’s healthy and can still run a route, but only at zero risk and low cost.

Mostly just sick of hearing about him at this point

 

[Riggo44]

Mostly just sick of hearing about him at this point

I feel the same about Diggs too. The fact that the Giants went out and signed a bunch of 30-something no bodies and we heard nary a whisper about Diggs raises eyebrows--in the same way that the two people most familiar with Jauan Jennings (Lynch and Peters) wanted no part of him does.

 

[skinsinparadise]

One more thing where we disagree--I'd much rather rely on LMC, Lane, Williams, then sign JAGs like Mooney, Austin or any of the other second-tier FA receivers. Austin isn't any better than Brown or Jeff

This is where I think you're arguing against a position I never actually took.

I've never made the case that Washington should replace LMC, Lane, or Antonio Williams with a bunch of bargain-bin JAGs. Heck, Antonio Williams is a bad example because I was one of his biggest supporters before they even drafted him.

Maybe you're mixing this up with a post from months ago where I compared Washington's and the Giants' low-cost WR signings. My point then was that if I had to choose between Washington's collection of Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson types versus the Giants' version, I'd probably take the Giants'. But my larger point was that both approaches were underwhelming. "Meh" versus "slightly less meh" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement.

My argument has always been the same: go get a legitimate WR2.

The whole discussion about who my favorite cheap free-agent receiver is actually runs counter to my entire thesis. I've spent months arguing that this team shouldn't be relying on bargain shopping at WR. If there's a team that has mirrored Washington's approach to the position, it's the Giants, and I've criticized both approaches repeatedly.

For what it's worth, if you go back and read the offseason threads, you'll find me pushing hard for Rachaad White and Chig Okonkwo before free agency and Antonio Williams during the draft process. My issue has never been that they did nothing. My issue is that they didn't do enough.

I don't think Peters is a bad GM. I don't think his intentions are bad. I think he understands the problem and has tried to address it. I also think he's learning.

But after three years in charge of the roster, I don't think he's matched what the other teams from the 2024 QB class have done to support their young quarterbacks. It isn't just Chicago. It's every team from that class.

New England started with fewer premium assets than Washington. They had three Top-100 picks in 2024. Washington had six. Both inherited weak rosters. Yet today, most people would argue New England's supporting cast is stronger.

Does that mean it's a disaster? No. Does it mean Peters stinks? No. Does it mean every move deserves automatic praise or a creative explanation for why it was actually good? Also no. What I find funny is that those of us pushing for another weapon are often labeled the negative crowd. I see it completely differently.

Most of us are making the same two arguments:

A. We believe Jayden is the answer, so let's maximize his chances to become elite.

B. We think this is already a good roster, so why stop at good? Why not push for great? Why not push for a Super Bowl?

Back to point B, maybe I am delusional and feel too good about the roster, and that's my problem. I was listening to Walder on Finlay a little whole ago, and he doubled down on the national narrative of hey sorry playoffs are a long shot. Many think this is a bad roster. I think its a good roster. I want to add more.

But if the national guys, mock drafters, power rankers, to some extent Vegas are right -- maybe my expectations are too high, because if they are right and this is a bad team, I don't think adding a strong Z will save them.

I don't see a bad roster. I see a good roster that's one major weapon away from being able to stand toe-to-toe with the more loaded contenders. So when I push for another WR, it's not because I'm pessimistic about the team. It's the opposite. I'm optimistic enough to think they're close.
I don't want the 9-8 ride. I don't want to be talking about patience three years from now. I want this team taking legitimate swings at a Super Bowl while Jayden is on a rookie contract.

I just simplly don't think they did enough to chase a SB. I don't see this as being negative. It's more the opposite. It's thinking bigger. I think they are off the Gruden-Rivera merrygoround where you ride a bad season to good season but the good is just good. I think they can go for great. But if I am wrong and the roster sucks as some believe, I agree who cares who is playing Z. Then, ride it with one of these guys, and hope you get lucky and if you don't get lucky it doesn't matter because you aren't going far anyway. But I am thinking bigger.