WR Diggs ups claim: Best No. 1 'in my heart'

ASHBURN, Va. -- New Washington Commanders wideout Stefon Diggs recently said he would be the best No. 2 wide receiver in the NFL this season. But on Friday, he said that wasn't quite accurate. "I say 2 on camera," he said, "but in my heart, I'm going to say [best] No. 1." Diggs might have changed teams for the third time in three years, but that hasn't dented his confidence -- even though he said he meant his comments humbly and wasn't trying to be abrasive. But he also pointed out that he has remained productive. And that's why the Commanders signed him to a one-year deal Wednesday. "This just made a lot of sense for us," Washington coach Dan Quinn said. "We're just pumped." Indeed, it made too much sense. Washington needed a strong proven option opposite veteran Terry McLaurin, and Diggs was their one and only target who was still free. Coming off a torn ACL in 2024, Diggs had 1,013 yards last season for the New England Patriots while running the fewest routes of his career when playing more than eight games. He was a key part of the Patriots' Super Bowl run, with players and coaches crediting his leadership as one reason for their success. He has posted more than 1,000 yards in his last seven full seasons. (He played only eight games in 2024 because of his knee injury.) McLaurin posted five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons until missing seven games and falling short last year. New England cut Diggs after the season; his cap number was going to be $26.5 million in 2026. He signed a deal worth up to $12 million with Washington. "I've always been productive," Diggs said. "Hopefully I can be a piece in that process and lead this team in the right direction. I'm here to bring positive energy and the dog mindset." Diggs provides McLaurin with the most accomplished receiver he has played with since Washington drafted him in 2019. The only receiver McLaurin has played with who surpassed 1,000 yards in any year of his career is Deebo Samuel, who did so with the San Francisco 49ers four years before they were Commanders teammates. After signing his contract Thursday, Diggs practiced Friday, taking a handful of snaps in full-team work and spending time with receivers coach Bobby Engram going over routes. Following practice, Diggs worked with quarterback Jayden Daniels, first jogging through routes and catching passes. Diggs is playing with a young quarterback for the third consecutive year; he was with C.J. Stroud in 2024 and Drake Maye last season. "There's a great young quarterback [here]. I'm familiar with young quarterbacks," Diggs said. "He's a superstar." Washington plans to tap into Diggs' versatility as someone who can play both inside and outside. But, Quinn said, his work inside jumps out. He likes Diggs' feel and competitiveness, but another aspect jumps out to Quinn. "The suddenness," Quinn said. "If you're a slot that's hard to guard. With him, man to man, you better be ready because if he does beat you or you lose leverage, it's going to be an explosive play." Diggs grew up in Maryland and played collegiately at the University of Maryland, near where the Commanders play - half his family were Washington fans, the other half were Cowboys fans. In his 11 seasons, he has played five games against Washington and posted three 100-yard games, totaling 38 receptions for 558 yards and one touchdown. "I always felt like I had something to prove my hometown team, them and the Baltimore Ravens," Diggs said. "I always played with a chip on my shoulder, but the chip got really big when I went home because I always felt like they passed up on me. ... I was right in their backyard. So it's a full-circle moment."