Can Stefon Diggs Still Be an Elite NFL Receiver?

Can Stefon Diggs Still Be an Elite NFL Receiver?

Fresh off signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, Stefon Diggs looks to continue making an impact at 32 years old. Joining Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin, he will have the tools around him to do so. 

Diggs was drafted in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. He became a full-time starter during his second year in the league, and had his first impressive season in 2017. He finished that year with nearly 900 yards and eight touchdowns. During that same season was the “Minneapolis Miracle,” where he caught the game winning touchdown pass from Case Keenum in the NFC Divisional Round against the New Orleans Saints.

Stefon Diggs' Peak

Diggs was once among the NFL’s best receivers during his time in Buffalo. He managed to put together four consecutive 1,000 yard seasons from 2020-2024 while playing with All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen. Diggs was the clear WR1 for the Bills, and that was something he planned to continue to be for Houston when he was traded there in 2024.

Diggs' Setback with the Houston Texans

Diggs only appeared in eight games for the Texans during the 2024 season. He tore his ACL against the Colts,  causing him to miss the remainder of the season. It’s unclear whether Diggs would have seen success in Houston had he not gotten hurt, lining up opposite of Nico Collins would have given him a great chance to produce.

Patriots Comeback in 2025

A 31-year old receiver coming off of ACL surgery isn’t exactly someone teams are excited to sign. So when the New England Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year, $69 million contract in March of 2025, it came as a bit of a shock. Nonetheless, Diggs proved he could still be a franchise’s top receiver.

He eclipsed 1,000 yards and brought in 85 catches, leading the Patriots in both categories. He even played in all 17 games. His touchdowns were significantly down, only reeling in four. This wasn’t quite the version of Diggs we saw in Buffalo, but nonetheless he showed he can still produce for an NFL team.

A New Role in Washington

By joining a Washington Commanders offense that has an elite quarterback and star receiver, Diggs has the potential to surpass the success he saw in New England. Jayden Daniels is coming off a season ending injury and looking to prove his rookie season was legit. Meanwhile, Terry McLaurin has been the definition of consistent since he entered the league in 2019. Diggs doesn’t have to play the role he did in the past.

He has the chance to play alongside a real receiving threat, giving him plenty of opportunities when the attention is on McLaurin. The Commanders lost Deebo Samuel this past off-season, giving Diggs an even greater chance to see the ball come his way.

Diggs doesn’t need to prove he’s still a WR1. He did that last year in New England. He simply needs to show Washington that he can still impact an offense at age 32. If he does that, he’ll surpass any yardage or touchdown number projected for his season, proving that he in fact can still be elite.