The Washington Commanders are keeping tabs on free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs as they assess their pass-catching options during training camp in Ashburn, Virginia.
With Deebo Samuel returning to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, Washington is checking whether its current receivers can support third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Diggs, 32, played last season with the New England Patriots, starting all 17 games and leading the team with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns while helping the franchise reach Super Bowl LX.
Despite ongoing rumors linking veteran receivers to the team, Washington's management says developing the current roster remains the priority early in camp.
"I'm really happy with what we've done in the offseason," said General Manager Adam Peters.
Peters stressed that internal competition among young players is the main way to build depth behind top receiver Terry McLaurin.
"Really happy with who's in that room. Really happy with how the guys progressed.
I think they're going to take another step in this training camp.
Just like with any other room, if we have ways to get better, we're always going to look into that," said Peters.
The secondary receiving corps includes Van Jefferson, Dyami Brown, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and Treylon Burks, who had foot soreness on the first day of camp.
"I feel like we have a great group," said wide receiver Jaylin Lane.
Lane noted that internal development and recent additions provide a solid foundation for the offense.
"Once they get better every day [it will be fine]. We got Van [Jefferson] coming in.
Dyami [Brown] coming back. Guys have been playing football at a high level," said Lane.
Despite early offensive struggles in the first days of practice, veteran leaders expressed confidence in the roster's direction.
"We're building things up," said Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin acknowledged the daily challenges of camp but remained unfazed by early results.
"The point of the matter is you want to come out here [as an offense] and win the day.
I don't think we did that today, but this is Day 2," said McLaurin.
Addressing possible roster moves, the front office clarified its approach to free-agent targets.
"I'm not worried about where we're at right now," said McLaurin.
Peters reiterated that cultural fit and tape evaluation take priority over external noise when considering additions.
"We want to make sure it's the right player to be in our locker room, in our bloodstream and in our culture," said Peters.
The general manager noted that social media speculation does not drive the team's evaluation process.
"Social media is not always the first thing we look at.
Obviously, you're looking at the tape and you talk to the teams that the players have been on and how they were in the locker room.
Social media, that's not usually a huge part of it. Usually," said Peters.
Peters highlighted the significant assets already invested in the position group through draft picks and free-agent signings.
"We've invested in that position in terms of draft capital. I think we've invested a lot," said Peters.
The executive emphasized that high expectations and competition will determine final roster spots.
"In the free-agent market too, bringing in some real good competition there. So what it does is create great competition," said Peters.
Washington will continue evaluating its pass catchers throughout camp before making final decisions on potential free-agent additions ahead of the regular season.
"The cream will rise to the top," said Peters.
