Stefon Diggs, Brandon Aiyuk get good news amid Commanders rumors

Free agent Stefon Diggs and Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers are two big-name wide receivers who have repeatedly been linked with the Washington Commanders throughout the spring. 

On Wednesday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US suggested that the Commanders will soon be ready to make an addition at that position. 

When Commanders could add a big-name receiver

"The Washington Commanders continue to be linked to veteran wide receivers by other NFL front offices," La Canfora wrote, "and there is a growing expectation that they add one by the start of training camp." 

Specifically, one unnamed general manager told La Canfora that there is "a lot of smoke" regarding the Commanders acquiring a noteworthy pass-catcher. 

Diggs is from the state of Maryland and played collegiately at the University of Maryland. During a recent interview, he hinted that "it would be great to come home and play in front of the fans I used to play in front of as a young adolescent in college, and just kind of doing something for the city." 

Meanwhile, a recent report mentioned that it is believed Aiyuk "will be released before the start of training camp." Aiyuk and the 49ers have been involved in an ugly standoff for some time, and it's worth noting that he hasn't played in a regular-season game since he suffered season-ending tears to his ACL and MCL in October 2024. 

Interestingly, La Canfora pointed out that Aiyuk could "be a problem integrating into some locker rooms." That said, Commanders general manager Adam Peters previously worked for the 49ers when that franchise drafted Aiyuk in 2020. Additionally, Aiyuk and Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels were teammates at Arizona State.

Why Dan Quinn wants a veteran receiver ahead of training camp

Veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins is still available and could also be an option for the Commanders. 

"Washington’s offense got stagnant last season with Daniels battling injuries," La Canfora explained, "and head coach Dan Quinn has tended to collect older talent and defer to veterans; his mentor, Pete Carroll, often did the same thing." 

Of the three names tossed out there, Diggs seems to be the best option for any team. He led the 2025 New England Patriots for the regular season with 85 receptions, 102 targets and 1,013 receiving yards. Unlike Aiyuk, Diggs could be signed at any time.