Commanders' defender makes recruiting pitch to Stefon Diggs

With each passing day, it looks increasingly unlikely that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will end up with the Washington Commanders. Well, at least in 2026, anyway. Washington has long been Aiyuk’s preferred destination once his release from San Francisco became official. However, Aiyuk has yet to apply for reinstatement and has declared he will not report to the team for training camp. That means the 49ers are under no obligation to release him.

With or without Aiyuk, the Commanders could use another veteran starting receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. Deebo Samuel remains available. As does Tyreek Hill. But that name most associated with the Commanders is four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. Diggs, a DMV native, hasn’t hidden his desire to return to the region and play for his hometown team.

Earlier this offseason, Diggs posted a message to all NFL teams on his Instagram account, prompting Commanders edge rusher Charles Omenihu to comment, “Burgundy & gold.”

Omenihu isn’t the only Commanders defender trying to recruit Diggs to Washington. When Diggs posted a workout video on his Instagram recently, another Washington newcomer, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, posted a similar comment. Diggs responded.

It’s worth noting that Diggs and Chaisson were teammates with the AFC champion New England Patriots last season.

Unlike Aiyuk, Diggs is free to sign now. The Commanders begin training camp in less than three weeks. Rookies are scheduled to report in less than two weeks. Washington general manager Adam Peters could wait to see his current group of receivers before choosing to bring in a veteran, but that could be too late for Diggs.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders’ defender makes recruiting pitch to Stefon Diggs