The Commanders needed a solid No. 2 receiver entering training camp to fortify the position group and make it complete. That was clear and evident early on, with an experienced veteran opposite Terry McLaurin who could allow rookie Antonio Williams to develop at a proper place.
Washington was patient in the marketplace but maintained a presence there, eventually agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with DMV native and University of Maryland product Stefon Diggs.
The veteran’s track record speaks for itself, with at least 1,000 receiving in seven of the past eight seasons – with a torn ACL suffered in the only year he didn’t reach that mark.
Dan Quinn knew he was getting a talented player capable of producing even in his early 30s. Washington’s head coach has learned even more about Diggs, since he reported to camp, and his impact on the team.
“I knew he was a good competitor,” Quinn told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “I didn’t know how (big) the fire was around others, the skill work in the huddle. He’s the one saying, ‘Let’s go, we’re gonna bah, bah, bah,’ – you can fill in the letters and the words. The fire he has in him – the tape is the tape. The skills as a competitor (are there). I knew he was good in zones. He’s probably better beating man-to-man than I thought, with good route running. I do like the competitor a lot. I really do.”
Diggs has made a positive impact on his position group and the Commanders offense overall, well beyond what will eventually show up in the box score.
That impact is a bonus, providing more than maybe what Washington hoped for upon signing. It was clear in Diggs’ introductory press conference that the receiver was excited to represent his home region at this stage of his career. He was also pumped to work with McLaurin and a quarterback in Jayden Daniels with star power.
That off-the-field presence has been felt by younger players, which should only serve to improve the entire group.
“I’ve got great examples in front of me,” second-year receiver Jaylin Lane said, via video from the Commanders. “Adding Diggs is great and added even more veteran experience. I’m just trying to be a sponge and soak up everything and continue to get better.”