Tag: C.J. Stroud

Nick Caserio reveals why Texans wanted WR Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio knows that Stefon Diggs is one of the league’s top receivers, which is why he’s now C.J. Stroud’s new top target.

Stefon Diggs has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers for nearly a decade.

He’s also been one of the most talked-about players given his brash personality on the field and social media.

The former, however, is why the Houston Texans were adamant about acquiring him for the 2024 season as the next top target for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. As for the ladder, the organization isn’t concerned about his past stops or previous problems.

“He’s an experienced player, he’s been productive, he’s instinctive, he has good hands,” Texans executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio said Thursday. “Our system is maybe a little bit different than the system he was in in Buffalo, but he was as productive as any player in the league.”

The Texans traded for Diggs on April 3, sending a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler. Now in Houston, Diggs joins a passing attack headlined by breakout target Nico Collins, second-year standout Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz. 

There’s reason for optimism, but also skepticism, especially given how Diggs’ tenure ended at his previous locations. In Minnesota, he reportedly asked for a trade after seeing a drop-off in his role with the offense.

After four productive years in Buffalo as Josh Allen’s No. 1 target, tensions rose following a decline in his numbers. Diggs, 30, was off to a hot start in 2023 with five 100-yard outings. After Week 6, he never came close to that marker for the rest of the year.

While some have labeled Diggs a “diva,” Caserio mentioned that was never an issue. The only persona that mattered to Houston was his on-field one and how he could add another element to the defending AFC South champs’ offense.

“Candidly, I think it’s unfair to label anybody until they actually have an opportunity to walk in the building,” Caserio said. “Again, our environment is different than another environment, so we really don’t know what’s going on in 31 other buildings. We know what’s going on in our building. We are excited to have Stef here.”

Caserio made sure to cross off every reason for concern before finalizing a trade. He and coach DeMeco Ryans dug well past Diggs’ fit in the offense, checking in with former teammates about his locker room presence and demeanor.

For Houston, this offseason was built around Stroud, who led the league in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5) while guiding the team to its first division title in four years. Much like Buffalo in 2020, the Texans wanted to add a proven playmaker to fortify any apprehension of regression following a postseason berth.

Allen’s gone on to become one of the league’s top quarterbacks after a pair of underwhelming seasons to start his career. Stroud is further along in his progression that the Bills’ gunslinger was entering Year 2, and could be a favorite to win league MVP later this year.

Diggs, who’s posted six 1,000-yard seasons since 2019, was a key element in locking Allen’s potential in Orchard Park. He won’t have to be the offensive top weapon in Houston, but rather a promising supporting cast member opposite Collins, Dell, Schultz, Joe Mixon and John Metchie III.

“He’s been a great player in this league for a long time,” Ryans said Monday. “He is well-respected. He’s been a great teammate; he’s been a leader and a captain.

“He changes games for the teams he’s been a part of, and we’re anticipating the same thing for us.”

Texans QB C.J. Stroud: Everyone knows how ‘special’ John Metchie III can be

C.J. Stroud is expecting big things from the Houston Texans’ offense and a promising thrid season for John Metchie III

While the Houston Texans recently added Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to the offense, C.J. Stroud wanted to talk about another receiver who’s been working overtime this offseason.

Stroud praised third-year pass-catcher John Metchie III’s work ethic and progress Monday after recently working out with him in Los Angeles, stating how different he’s looked a full year into his remission.

“He has a ton of value, a huge impact that I think he will bring this season,” Stroud said. “I think last year was good to get his feet back in the water, coming off of an injury, then something so traumatic like being sick how he was. His mindset is that he’s just ready to come back and ball.”

A former second-round selection out of Alabama in 2022, Metchie missed the entirety of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer. Instead of hauling in passes from Davis Mills, he was undergoing chemotherapy over at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Consider the 2023 campaign Metchie’s de facto rookie year. In 15 games, the former go-to target for Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young hauled in 16 passes for 158 yards. Metchie’s most significant moment came against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round, where his 27-yard catch set up an eventual touchdown pass to Nico Collins.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, recently invited Metchie, Diggs and Tank Dell out of L.A. to run drills at UCLA’s campus. Fully healthy, Stroud could see a spark in the slot receiver that could benefit the Texans’ passing attack this fall.

“Not only is he a great football player, but he’s a great person and I wouldn’t want anybody else other than those guys in that room,” said Stroud. “Metchie is looking amazing. Everything that he will put on this field will be no surprise, but I think everybody in this room knows how special he can be, and he’ll put that on the field.”

Metchie was named the Texans’ annual Ed Block Courage Award last season, recognizing his grit and determination to overcome great adversity. He now looks to be a staple of Houston’s offense en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance this upcoming season.

DeMeco Ryans, players excited for fans to see Texans’ new uniforms

The Houston Texans are about to have a new look and players are excited for fans to see their fresh new uniforms.

Will Anderson Jr. was asked what he thought about the new uniforms before their launch to the public next Tuesday evening. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year smiled, then put his index finger over his mouth.

“Shhh…” said the Houston Texans’ star defensive end as a few chuckles filled the media room at NRG Stadium.

Anderson, the fun-loving, quarterback-hunter defender, later gave a more detailed answer without giving away too much information.

“I think they’re dope,” Anderson said. “I think it really just gives back to the Houston community and I think it does a good job of getting the community back involved in football. Back involved with the Texans brand of ball and I’m really excited for everyone to see them. I’m really excited for everyone to see what we have going on here.”

After two-plus decades of the same look, the Texans are getting a well-earned makeover. It’s a new era for the franchise under a longtime favorite DeMeco Ryans, so it’s only fitting the team looks fresh to complement their new approach.

Ryans, the mastermind behind Houston’s six-win turnaround and postseason berth, remembers back in his playing days wearing the Battle Red and Steel Blue uniform combo in front of screaming fans on Sundays. He lasted suited up at NRG Stadium in 2012, but the jerseys have been a constant.

“It’s 2024, time for a fresh look for the Texans,” said Ryans. “I know we’ve had the same uniforms since our organization started here in 2002. I was messing with the guys earlier, talking about how I wore the same uniform that they’re wearing, and I think it’s time for an update.”

Texans Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Doug Vosik was tasked to come up with a new design that would best encapsulate Houston and its city. The project began back in 2022, with a few different marketing designs being released over time.

One major detail that was implemented in the new apparel was a stylized H or ‘H-Town’ design on the back. That became the baseline incorporating a new logo along with the famous bull head that resides on the helmets.

“Fans challenged us back a little bit and they said, ‘When I wear Texans gear, I’m repping my city. We love repping the H when it comes to Texans gear. What do y’all think of that, Texans?,’ ” Vosik said in a video released by the team. “So, we poked a little bit more and said, ‘Do you just want a new H on more hats, hoodies and shirts? ‘ And some of them challenged us pretty clearly and said, maybe it would be cool if that was somehow on a sleeve or on the back of a jersey or how do you bring that H identity, rep the H, into the uniform? And we took that challenge very seriously when the fans told us that.”

https://twitter.com/TexansCommenter/status/1779940600084590964

The Texans involved their fan council, along with staff members, media members and current and former players to get input and ideas, incorporating much of that feedback, which included 10,000 surveys and more than 30 focus groups, into the uniform redesign.

Last month, a small group of fans, local media members and Texans players were able to see the uniforms in person. Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud said H-Town should enjoy the new look as it’ll bring a new energy to a rejuvenated franchise.

“I’m super excited just to be wearing new stuff,” said Stroud. “I liked the unis last year too, but I think it’s time for change and it’s a new era now. We’ll be able to build with these unis and look good while doing it.”

Texans owner Cal McNair confirmed the photo leak on social media of a model wearing the team’s new road uniforms was true, but decided to up bring in a bit more fire.

Instead of simply confirming the uniform, McNair posted a photograph on Reddit of receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell wearing the new threads.

“The uniforms looked a lot better on them,” McNair said at the owner’s meetings last month in Orlando, Fla. “They’re excited to put them on and show them off and we’re excited for the fans to see those. We just felt like it was the right thing to be transparent and straight-on and address it.”

All four uniforms for the defending AFC South champions will be unveiled at the team’s official uniform release party on Tuesday, April 23, at the 713 Music Hall starting at 6:30 p.m.

C.J. Stroud offers advice to teams intrested in former Ohio State teammate Marvin Harrison Jr.

While C.J. Stroud likely won’t play with Marvin Harrison Jr. next season, the Texans’ quarterback has advice for teams interested in him.

C.J. Stroud became a staple of the NFL as a rookie with the Houston Texans. Now, his former teammate is set to live up to the family name once selected next Thursday night.

Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top receiving prospects in the upcoming draft, should be a top-five player when all is said and done. He’s been one of college football’s top pass-catchers over the past two years, earning All-American status with two different quarterbacks.

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was asked Monday what piece of advice he’d give Harrison leading up to the finish line. Stroud, who helped the son of the Hall of Fame target thrive as a sophomore, kept it short and sweet.

“Whoever’s up there man: Be smart,” said Stroud. “Don’t be dumb. Don’t think too hard.”

Harrison, the son of Indianapolis Colts’ All-Pro No. 1 target for Peyton Manning, was dominant in Columbus while helping the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff in 2022. During his lone season with Stroud, he caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Even after Stroud was drafted No. 2 overall, the production didn’t diminish at Ohio State. Harrison won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver, after hauling in 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns (18.1 yards per catch) between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.

Stroud, who led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5), will always pull for the Scarlett and Red. That doesn’t mean he isn’t a fan of LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze, but of course, there’s a bit of bias when discussing which receiver deserves to be the first selected.

“Why should it be ‘Marv’? Put on the tape,” Stroud said when asked to make a case for Harrison as the top weapon. “He’s done it from really his freshman year, his true freshman year, to now.

“When you talk about — I think I read something like he’s NFL ready, but other guys have more potential. That makes no sense. Like, what? If you’re ‘NFL ready,’ how is that not potential?”

Harrison did not work out during the pre-draft process and did not meet with reporters at the combine last month in Indianapolis. Stroud, who spent two years with the 6-foot-4 target, said he’d love to play with Harrison again, but he knows it’ll be a few years before that becomes a reality.

“I probably won’t get that opportunity for a while, but I’m super proud of him,” said the quarterback.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.

‘Don’t be dumb’: Texans QB C.J. Stroud thinks drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. should be easy

“Whoever’s up there, be smart. Don’t be dumb. Don’t think too hard.”

The Arizona Cardinals are in position to be able to select the first non-quarterback on the board in the 2024 NFL draft. Three quarterbacks are expected to be drafted with the first three picks.

Many believe the best players in the draft after the quarterbacks are receivers, and in that group is Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, was Harrison’s teammate and spoke about Harrison on Monday with the opening of Houston’s offseason program.

Stroud says a team who has the chance to take Harrison should.

“Why should it be Marv? Put on the tape,” he told reporters. “He’s done it from really his freshman year to now. I think I read something like he’s NFL ready but other guys have more potential. That makes no sense. If he’s NFL ready, how is that not potential?”

Harrison’s production should not be in question. He had over 1,200 yards with Stroud in 2022 and followed that up with over 1,200 yards last season with Kyle McCord at quarterback.

Stroud also said the Harrison has all the intangibles. He loves football and has been a leader.

“That’s what he sleeps, eats and breathes,” he said. “He’s a worldly talent but also his worth ethic and how he gravitates that room.

“I challenged him the last year when Jaxon (Smith-Njigba) went down, he had to take over as a leader, and he did that. He’s not very vocal but he became vocal.”

There isn’t anything not to like about Harrison. He has elite physical traits. He had the production. He loves football. He has the bloodlines. He has the support of former teammates.

Stroud made it clear. He didn’t mention the Cardinals, but it could be understood that way.

“Whoever’s up there, be smart. Don’t be dumb. Don’t think too hard.”

When the Cardinals are on the clock, it probably shouldn’t be a difficult choice. No one else is a better bet to be great.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

C.J. Stroud breaks down thoughts on Texans’ trade for Stefon Diggs

C.J. Stroud was still sleeping when the Houston Texans traded for Stefon Diggs, but he’s wide awake on building a relationship in 2024.

C.J. Stroud was still asleep back home in Los Angeles when his phone started to ring. Multiple friends began to text him about how he felt. 

While in in daze, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year responded with a few ‘I’m good fam, how bout you’ texts before rolling back over to catch a few more minutes of slumber, 

Eventually, Stroud woke up, went to the bathroom, and brushed his teeth. There, he found out why everyone was asking how he was doing. They weren’t checking in, but rather wondering about his feelings toward the Houston Texans’ trade for Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. 

“I was very excited,” a delighted Stroud said Monday at the start of voluntary workouts.

Traded to Houston in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, Diggs headlines as the new top target for the reigning AFC South champions. He won’t be alone in the passing attack for Stroud entering Year 2, but he is the most proven among those expected to compete for starting reps. 

Since 2015, Diggs has been one of the league’s top targets. He’s posted six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns, dating back to his time with the Minnesota Vikings. In four years with the Buffalo Bills, the Pro Bowler hauled in at least 103 passes, including a league-leading 127 catches in 2020. 

“He’s been a great player in this league for a long time, well respected,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s been a great teammate, he’s been a leader, a captain. And, when you look at him and watch the tape … no one doubts the playmaker that he is.” 

With Diggs and new running back Joe Mixon in the fold, Houston looks poised to make a deep run for the postseason. Behind Stroud’s record-setting rookie campaign, the Texans won the AFC South for the first time in four years before pulling off the upset against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round. 

Diggs, 30, won’t be the only top target at NRG Stadium like at times in Orchard Park for All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen. Nico Collins broke onto the scene with over 1,200 receiving yards last season. Rookie Tank Dell and veteran Dalton Schultz also posted stellar seasons amid a top-10 finish in the passing game. 

“I think we have a lot of potential,” said Stroud. “A ton of guys who have played a lot of meaningful ball. A lot of guys who can do different things with the ball, which is amazing.”

While Diggs finished with over 1,100 receiving yards last season, his production dipped in the second half. After posting five 100-yard games in the first six weeks, he never posted another triple-digit outing following the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. 

In two combined playoff games, he finished with 10 catches for 73 yards. 

Those around the organization, including Ryans, believe Diggs is only getting started. He should be hungry entering a contract year after the Texans elected to void the final three years of a $102 million extension signed with the Bills in April 2022. 

“The guy has been an All-Pro player, he’s been a Pro Bowl player, over 1,000 yards for multiple seasons,” said Ryans. “So, we’re excited about adding Diggs to our team.”

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer to throw for over 4,000 yards in their first season, said he and Diggs first connected at the Pro Bowl back in February. He didn’t know at the time they’d later be partnering up for a Super Bowl run two months later. 

While Diggs hasn’t met with the media yet, he’s already built a rapport with Stroud and several other Texans’ teammates. The former No. 2 pick hosted Diggs, Dell, and third-year receiver John Metchie out in California to run drills before the start of workouts.  

“He has a lot of wisdom that he carries that I think he’ll spread to other guys,” Stroud said of Diggs. “He’s been reaching out to really everybody, and I think that whole room in general is going to be great. I think we’re all going to eat off each other.”

Entering next week’s draft, the Texans have the seventh-best odds to win this year’s Super Bowl, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

Watch: Texans’ C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs building chemistry during workouts

Stefon Diggs and C.J. Stroud aren’t at NRG Stadium, but the two Houston Texans talents are working hard down at UCLA.

Stefon Diggs is ready to prove his best years are still ahead as the Houston Texans’ new No. 1 receiver.

Well, maybe he’s 1B behind Nico Collins, but Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud will take as many 1,000-yard targets for his breakout second season.

Diggs, acquired by Houston in a trade after a four-year stay with the Buffalo Bills, has already hit the ground running working alongside his new quarterback. This past weekend, the four-time Pro Bowler joined Stroud, plus Tank Dell and John Metchie III for a spring workout at a UCLA practice field Saturday evening.

For those watching on social media, it was an up-close look at the new offense expected to make waves in the AFC come 2024. And imagine how much different the offensive play design looks with Collins added into the mix.

Diggs, 30, is the hopeful missing link on offense. Houston already bolstered its ground game by trading for Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. It also improved its defensive front seven with the additions of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter.

Diggs is entering a contract year after Houston voided the final three years of his extension signed back in 2022, and he is looking to cash in one final time on a lucrative deal.

Could it be with Houston? Time will tell if the two sides find a common ground while building a foundation as the next great franchise in the AFC for years to come.

Even if Diggs has lost a step as he enters the back half of his career, the Texans believe they’re getting a Pro Bowl-caliber target. They should, too. Diggs has posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons dating back to his time with the Minnesota Vikings.

In Buffalo, he hauled in at least 103 catches each season, including an NFL-leading 127 catches in 2020. He also finished with over 1,110 yards and averaged eight touchdowns per year.

A healthy Dell should open the passing attack more both in the slot and on the perimeter. The third-round pick was one pace to finish with over 1,000 yards as Houston’s No. 2 option, but a fractured fibula in early December sidelined him for the postseason run.

The Texans also brought back tight end Dalton Schultz, who stepped up as a security blanket in big games across the middle of the field. He was a priority free agent among those leaving this offseason after building a budding chemistry with Stroud late during the postseason run.

There’s an argument to be had that Houston currently owns the best-receiving trio in the AFC. On paper, it’s warranted. On the field, let’s wait to see in live games, but it’s good to see them working out away from Texas and building off last season’s success.

Commanders named as a potential suitor for WR Stefon Diggs in 2025

Diggs is a DMV native with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

The then-Washington Redskins had multiple opportunities to select former University of Maryland star Stefon Diggs in the 2015 NFL draft. As a matter of fact, every NFL team did, as Diggs somehow dropped to the fifth round — No. 146 overall.

After five standout seasons in Minnesota, Diggs wanted out. And the Vikings were happy to oblige, sending him to the Buffalo Bills for multiple picks, including a first-round pick that Minnesota used to select the NFL’s premier wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.

After four incredible seasons with Josh Allen and the Bills, the Gaithersburg, Maryland, native was traded to the Houston Texans last week. Diggs, 30, has six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and just signed a four-year extension two years ago. The Bills took a massive cap hit to trade Diggs, meaning he had worn out his welcome in two places.

In trading him to the Texans, Houston re-did Diggs’ contract, allowing him to become a free agent next offseason. In the meantime, Diggs gets to play with another young star passer, C.J. Stroud. Another strong year and Diggs could hit the open market in 2025 and get even more than in the extension he last signed in Buffalo.

If Diggs plays well for the Texans, they’d presumably want to keep him around. However, Houston will need to save some of its cap space for several members of its young core.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently named five teams who could be Diggs’ suitors next offseason and the hometown Commanders were among those teams.

The Commanders are close to home for Diggs, playing in the wideout’s home state of Maryland. More than that, they’re likely to have a top young quarterback prospect after this year’s draft. And new coach Dan Quinn has shown no hesitation to pay big bucks to bolster his lineup with proven talent. Imagine the pairing with Terry McLaurin. Money probably wouldn’t be an issue, with Washington set to have more than $100 million in 2025 cap space.

The Commanders have plenty of money available to pay Diggs or any other top free agent. But this doesn’t seem like a move new general manager Adam Peters or head coach Dan Quinn would make. Washington will have a young quarterback on the roster and likely wouldn’t want to add someone to the team who could potentially disrupt the culture Peters and Quinn are trying to build.

The Commanders make a fun match on paper, and 2025 feels like a long time away, but don’t get your hopes up on this one. Washington has Terry McLaurin as its No. 1 wide receiver and Jahan Dotson as the No. 2. Look for the Commanders to add another young pass-catcher early in the 2024 NFL draft.