The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[KDawg]

If you're going to build through the draft, you can't draft three guys, and then give up on even the rookie and bury them behind a veteran.

I get the whole "maximize Daniels' rookie deal" thing, but they spent 3 3rd round picks (or was Lane a 4th?) on slot WRs. Including one this year. If you are giving up on all of them already, you have to be willing to at least cut McCaffery, and move on.

If you don't let guys play and develop, then you're going to constantly be looking for FAs to fill the void. It takes time, and you've got to be committed to the strategy. This is the last year for McCaffery, I'd think, to prove he can play a meaningful role on offense. Lane should be more than just a punt returner, and Williams looks like a really good prospect.

If you sign Diggs and play him as your starting slot, you've essentially given up on a year of development for McCaffery and Lane, and probably pushing Williams outside more. I'm not sure I think that's in the best long term interest, though it absolutely would probably be the best short term fix.

You said a lot of words.

There are two slot positions. And not starting does not = not playing.

 

[Boone]

If they sign Diggs I think it would be far more likely they put him outside vs a rookie who hasn’t played a snap. We know Diggs can do it because he’s done it at this level.

 

[Conn]

Honest to God, I don't think so. I think, for all the reasons Keim and Standig outlined over multiple pods, they do have confidence in the group.

Whether each individual chooses to share that confidence or believe that they are a bunch of damn fools who can't see a problem sitting right in front of their face, that's up to everybody to judge.

I'm not 100% sure they're going to sign Aiyuk. They haven't said they won't, but they haven't traded for him, and there hasn't been an attributable quote to say they will, which I get there really can't be because of tampering rules. What has been reported has been "they have interest" which I've heard a lot, quite a bit from the national guys. And that could be absolutely fed to them by Aiyuk diretly, or through his agent, though I think most likely from Aiyuk. And they would all run with it because sex sells, and that's sexy. There might be some in the building who even are intrigued. But I doubt Peters has confirmed to any reporter his thoughts, and it's really possible his thoughts don't align with the rest of the building. Or, after the social media tween style tantrum over the last couple of weeks, he has soured on Aiyuk. Or maybe not, and it's just inevitable. I don't know.

My personal ideal scenario is actually he's not with the team through training camp, and they sign him after the cutdown to 53 and put him on the practice squad. That way he's not a distraction in training camp, he can take as much time as he needs while on the practice squad, and there's no pressure. When he's ready, if he's ready, he's ready. It would also be a non-guaranteed contract. I also think if he is released, if it's not us, nobody is going to sign him right away. So there's no rush.

We know they aren’t happy with the WR group because they tried and failed to spend a bajillion dollars there in FA. What they’re saying now after a single 3rd round draft choice that they explored trading down from, is absolute cope, and that’s obvious from the outside. Quinn does this every year about some position group or another that we know isn’t up to snuff.

We also know they likely have real interest in Aiyuk (whether we like it or not) because Keim has consistently kept that drum beat alive even through all the drama, not just national guys with Aiyuk in their ears, and that’s a pretty big indicator most of the time, if not a guarantee.

Sometimes it’s a lot simpler than we make it.

 

[HTTR]

checking in on the WR discussion… Looks like it’s gone nowhere lately. I guess they’re not going to grab Diggs, and I’m OK with it I guess. I’ve been saying we need to stop signing cheap old guys in free agency so it wouldn’t feel right for me to now complain about passing on a 33 yo diva.
With Aiyuk… just like everyone else I’d love for it to work out and we get a bargain receiver who can start on the outside for us. But also like everyone else I can see that he’s just not all there mentally. I really have no idea if they’re still pursuing it, but I have nearly zero confidence that it will bear fruit.
So I guess all this talk about how much they love the ‘guys in the room’ is true, and that’s the direction they’re going. And if so that’s fine with me. Just give the reps to the young guys and see if any of them blossom since it’s a rebuilding year anyway. At least I guess it’s a rebuilding year since they certainly seem to be treating it that way—a team that sees itself as a contender doesn’t leave $50 million in cap space unused with a roster that most consider bottom 10 in the league.

 

[Conn]

But but have you considered our billionaire’s cash spend this calendar year?

 

[Boone]

checking in on the WR discussion… Looks like it’s gone nowhere lately. I guess they’re not going to grab Diggs, and I’m OK with it I guess. I’ve been saying we need to stop signing cheap old guys in free agency so it wouldn’t feel right for me to now complain about passing on a 33 yo diva.
With Aiyuk… just like everyone else I’d love for it to work out and we get a bargain receiver who can start on the outside for us. But also like everyone else I can see that he’s just not all there mentally. I really have no idea if they’re still pursuing it, but I have nearly zero confidence that it will bear fruit.
So I guess all this talk about how much they love the ‘guys in the room’ is true, and that’s the direction they’re going. And if so that’s fine with me. Just give the reps to the young guys and see if any of them blossom since it’s a rebuilding year anyway. At least I guess it’s a rebuilding year since they certainly seem to be treating it that way—a team that sees itself as a contender doesn’t leave $50 million in cap space unused with a roster that most consider bottom 10 in the league.

In a vacuum I would agree on the age thing - but we don't have a legit #2 outside WR on the roster, and we are going to 'poo poo' a guy who had over 1000 yds receiving last season? You don't have to sign the guy to a 5 year deal, but as a bridge player (and you need bridge players when you are unsuccessful in signing younger talented players) it really does seem like a no-brainer. I am not a big fan of the 'don't upgrade your roster for this season because it will rob guys who have yet to prove themselves of opportunities to prove themselves'. Guys who are going to prove themselves do it based on whatever opportunities they get (or they force the team to give them more opportunities by doing something with the ones they DO get). Waiting indefinitely for guys with 'potential' to 'develop' is how mediocre rosters stay mediocre rosters. I get that not everyone wants Diggs, but I just don't see how he doesn't immediately make us better for the next couple of seasons.

 

[Conn]

Snaps and targets are earned. Only bad teams give major snaps to unproven players, (read: who didn’t earn them over functional competition) and those players then typically don’t earn targets and it results in a poor offense. On a functional team, players who earn targets from the QB on their initial limited snaps, are rewarded with more snaps as they develop, until they earn starting snaps and targets over time.

If our young WR’s are the real deal, they’ll get on the field even if we sign a “better” veteran WR, and they’ll still break out. If you’re reading this and you think otherwise, then you’re actually more worried about our coaching than a late roster addition. And we can have that conversation, but it’s a different conversation.

 

[bowhunter]

checking in on the WR discussion… Looks like it’s gone nowhere lately. I guess they’re not going to grab Diggs, and I’m OK with it I guess. I’ve been saying we need to stop signing cheap old guys in free agency so it wouldn’t feel right for me to now complain about passing on a 33 yo diva.
With Aiyuk… just like everyone else I’d love for it to work out and we get a bargain receiver who can start on the outside for us. But also like everyone else I can see that he’s just not all there mentally. I really have no idea if they’re still pursuing it, but I have nearly zero confidence that it will bear fruit.
So I guess all this talk about how much they love the ‘guys in the room’ is true, and that’s the direction they’re going. And if so that’s fine with me. Just give the reps to the young guys and see if any of them blossom since it’s a rebuilding year anyway. At least I guess it’s a rebuilding year since they certainly seem to be treating it that way—a team that sees itself as a contender doesn’t leave $50 million in cap space unused with a roster that most consider bottom 10 in the league.

Lots of troof in here. If a sane BA can join the team and demonstrate that he can be a "Commander" style teammate ( both on and off the field.) It would fill a tremendous hole. We are all hoping that Terry can defie Father Time even though we know it's not realistic. The younger Aiyuk could be that bridge. The only reason I'm thinking some of his odd behavior might be written off as contract theatrics is solely based upon his BFF status with Jayden. Usually the old adage of "Show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are" carries come truth. Fingers crossed.

 

[Boone]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned enough when it comes to Aiyuk and that is that we have numerous members of this organization that know him intimately, obviously starting with Adam Peters. No matter what his recent 'behavior' looks like, we have multiple folks in the org who know him well, the pros and the cons and who he really is. So whatever they decide, it will be an educated decision made by people who have about as much inside information on the guy as it is possible to have. That should give us some comfort regardless of whether they pull the trigger or elect not to.

I also think the only *logical* explanation for why they aren't pursuing Diggs (as far as we know) is that they have all but decided Aiyuk will be a Commander and are saving the $$ and position for him).

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

As mentioned

I really find it strange that Deebo hasn't caught on anywhere. He had like 750 yards last year while playing a role he's not suited for. I'm not sure why one of the contenders didn't see him as a guy who could be used as a weapon, especially one of the Shanahan disciples. It's really weird. He was nothing but a pro's pro last year, did everything he was asked, and played really well, played out of position the entire year and still produced.

I wonder if somebody is going to nab him before training camp, or if he's going to just be available. If he doesn't get signed, that's always an "off the street" option down the road in case there are significant injuries. We know he's not the traditional WR1, but we've also seen in a pinch, he can still produce. And he actually had a really good rapport with Daniels.

I wouldn't say he played really well, there are also strong regression chances for him. His contested catch rate was abnormally high compared to the rest of his career. His separation score was (I believe) pretty low, but that data was behind a paywall. If I remember right, his stats for separation were a bit better than Jahan Dotson (for example), he just got force fed the ball.

Remember, Dotson had 500 yards per season with us. That was partially because there were no better options and the QB had to throw the ball somewhere. Similarly, since McLaurin only played 41% of the snaps. Deebo got a lot of extra volume he should not have if McLaurin was healthy or if we had more talent at WR. Deebo's stats for depth of target, yards before catch, yards after catch, broken tackle rate, etc are all like 2nd worst or worst ever in his career. He's 30. You have to think the decline continues.

So, basically. He couldn't separate, but somehow caught the football far better than he ever has before. He's likely not going to catch the ball that well again. I do think Deebo still deserves playing time in the NFL, but I think teams are wisely viewing him as a WR3/WR4 since that's how he's likely to produce in 2026.

TL;DR Commanders fans are overrating Deebo.

 

[Boone]

The case for Deebo has to be put into context. Who on our current roster is more talented than he is? McLaurin. Arguably the rookie (TBD). That's it imho. They were unable to upgrade so if he's available he improves the roster. To me, not re-signing him (after giving up a 5th year pick for a single season!) is in the same neighborhood as the Biadasz move - questionable.

 

[ntotoro]

Did Doubs actually say he preferred to play with Maye over Jayden or was that just their Coach huffing out comments between sniffs of Russini?

 

[skinsinparadise]

We know they aren’t happy with the WR group because they tried and failed to spend a bajillion dollars there in FA. What they’re saying now after a single 3rd round draft choice that they explored trading down from, is absolute cope, and that’s obvious from the outside. Quinn does this every year about some position group or another that we know isn’t up to snuff.

We also know they likely have real interest in Aiyuk (whether we like it or not) because Keim has consistently kept that drum beat alive even through all the drama, not just national guys with Aiyuk in their ears, and that’s a pretty big indicator most of the time, if not a guarantee.

Sometimes it’s a lot simpler than we make it.

Yep, Keim doubled down again recently that Washington was willing to go to roughly $30 million for Pierce. They were also major players for Doubs, and Doubs himself all but said at the time that he took less money to play in New England.

That doesn't strike me as a front office that was content with its in-house options.

The fallback always seemed to be Aiyuk. During that first week of free agency, the expectation around the league was that he'd be released by Friday. That obviously never happened, but Washington's interest never really appeared to go away.

To me, the "we like our guys" narrative feels more like a reaction to free agency not breaking their way than a reflection of their original plan. Quinn was already selling the "receiver by committee" concept before training camp even started. So hearing now about how much they love Van Jefferson, or how Dyami has rekindled his chemistry with Jayden, feels pretty on-brand. That's the same message they've been selling every off season.

Do they genuinely believe it? Maybe publicly. Privately, I'm skeptical. Their actions speak louder than their words. Teams don't chase Pierce, aggressively pursue Doubs, and monitor the Aiyuk situation for months if they're truly convinced the current room is enough.

That's why I still think everything points back to Aiyuk eventually. But if that somehow falls through, it wouldn't surprise me if they ultimately talk themselves into believing the receiver room is fine as constructed.

And to be clear, if Van Jefferson ends up as the starting Z, I don't think it's a disaster. He's a functional NFL receiver. Washington can still be a good team, maybe make the playoffs, and still win games with him in that role.

What I struggle with is the Super Bowl argument. If the goal is simply to be competitive, fine. If the goal is to maximize Jayden's rookie-contract window and seriously chase a championship, then settling for "good enough" at WR2 feels like waving the white flag on 2026 and betting that the real push comes in 2027. That's a very different standard than just asking whether the position is survivable.

And lol, I don't want to be the player annoited as the up and comer after camp by Quinn, that seems like the kiss of death. Last year it was Quan Martin looking like emerging as an elite safety -- it went the opposite way and today we are wondering if he even makes the roster.

 

[Faithful Fan]

We let our two most productive receivers from last season walk, at least from a statistical standpoint.

Speaking of last year’s team leader in receiving, why not bring back Deebo? He was pretty good for us, especially given how much of the season he spent as our #1 option, which isn’t exactly what he signed on for. I also remember being impressed by his character and attitude in interviews.

Assuming we should add another vet to the room, he may be our best bet, given Aiyuk’s evident lack of judgement and Diggs’ advanced age.

I agree with Voice_of_Reason, it really is odd Deebo hasn’t caught on somewhere. He was productive, healthy, and a model citizen last year.

 

[Faithful Fan]

You have to think if they wanted Diggs that deal would already have happened. So yeah, if they are going to make a move Aiyuk seems more likely especially given he is on the right side of 30.

Yes, I really do think the problem with Diggs is his age. Don’t you all recall the incessant chatter about how old our roster was last year?

Most of our departures (Wagner, Ertz, Ekeler, Deebo, Lattimore) are older, and most of our additions (Chig, Chanel, White, Oweh) are younger. Some quick math: the average age of our additions is about 25 years, the average age of our departures is about 31 years. As far as I can tell, the only over-30 player to get a new contract with us this year is Marcus Mariota. So, it sure looks like AP took the concern about having the oldest roster in the league to heart, and I would be a little surprised if we added any of the old vets.

 

[Faithful Fan]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned enough when it comes to Aiyuk and that is that we have numerous members of this organization that know him intimately, obviously starting with Adam Peters.

For all the talk of not supporting JD, we seem to put plus value on guys he knows and likes, and I think the fact he played with White and Aiyuk at Arizona State is a consideration.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Speaking of last year’s team leader in receiving, why not bring back Deebo? He was pretty good for us, especially given how much of the season he spent as our #1 option, which isn’t exactly what he signed on for. I also remember being impressed by his character and attitude in interviews.

Assuming we should add another vet to the room, he may be our best bet, given Aiyuk’s evident lack of judgement and Diggs’ advanced age.

I agree with Voice_of_Reason, it really is odd Deebo hasn’t caught on somewhere. He was productive, healthy, and a model citizen last year.

I've just written Deebo off because local insider types have said this team has no interest, and they already gave out Deebo's number.

 

[skinsinparadise]

For all the talk of not supporting JD, we seem to put plus value on guys he knows and likes, and I think the fact he played with White and Aiyuk at Arizona State is a consideration.

It's part of the reason why I buy the Aiyuk rumors. Peters isn't stupid. I am sure he's read-heard the national talk about how poor this WR corp is compared to the league coupled with how his peers from that same draft have loaded up their young QBs. And its likely not a coincidence that Jayden's mom, BFF liked posts on the idea that Jayden wasn't working with good WRs last year.

So if you aren't going to give him the weapons that his peers have - you still want to win some kind of narrative on the point to keep good will with Jayden. So you can say, dude we tried. And heck we got you your guy.

 

[HTTR]

In a vacuum I would agree on the age thing - but we don't have a legit #2 outside WR on the roster, and we are going to 'poo poo' a guy who had over 1000 yds receiving last season? You don't have to sign the guy to a 5 year deal, but as a bridge player (and you need bridge players when you are unsuccessful in signing younger talented players) it really does seem like a no-brainer. I am not a big fan of the 'don't upgrade your roster for this season because it will rob guys who have yet to prove themselves of opportunities to prove themselves'. Guys who are going to prove themselves do it based on whatever opportunities they get (or they force the team to give them more opportunities by doing something with the ones they DO get). Waiting indefinitely for guys with 'potential' to 'develop' is how mediocre rosters stay mediocre rosters. I get that not everyone wants Diggs, but I just don't see how he doesn't immediately make us better for the next couple of seasons.

Fair points, but a couple of things should be mentioned…
1000 yards is nice, but at age 33 the odds of a repeat are very low. Expectations historically should be for a big fall off at that age. Ertz and Wagner had good seasons for us two years ago as old timers, but look how quickly they fell off the cliff. The Patriots did well to squeeze out one more decent year out of him, but to expect another one is a gamble in my opinion. So I don’t agree with you that it’s a no brainer.

Also, I really think all statistics regarding the Patriots last year need to be taken with a big grain of salt. After our 2024 season, we should understand as much as anyone that an easy schedule can make players look a lot better than they are. It’s a lot easier to get open and put up statistics in that situation. And they didn’t just play an easy schedule. They played a HISTORICALLY EASY schedule. The easiest I think I’ve ever seen in my 50 years of watching the NFL. Yes, their receivers got open all year, but they did it against a parade of the very worst defenses in the league week after week. And with the Patriots mostly beating up on these bottom feeders as they should, the defenses were forced to play from behind and had to focus on the run first.

Anyway, I’m fine with the idea of Diggs as a stop gap if that’s the best we can do. But I really think people need to lower their expectations as to what he has left in the tank. And I’m not sure he brings the type of veteran leadership that you want from a player like that. There’s a reason the Patriots didn’t try to bring him back.

 

[Boone]

All good and valid points HTTR