Regardless of how many moves the Washington Commanders made this offseason, one thing lingered over GM Adam Peters' head: a true No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. The question we often heard was: did Peters do enough to help support franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels?
On Wednesday, Peters made that big move, agreeing to terms with free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal worth $12 million. You can officially say that Washington's offseason is complete. And what an offseason it was for Peters.
There was plenty of criticism levied at Peters last offseason, with many believing he didn't do enough to support Daniels while on his rookie deal. Peters did make significant moves last offseason, trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil
and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, while using a first-round pick on right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Unfortunately, Peters didn't do enough to help a porous defense, and injuries decimated the roster on both sides of the ball.
It wasn't like Peters didn't try. Washington had far more holes than most teams coming off an appearance in a conference championship game. Shortly after the Commanders completed a disappointing 5-12 season, Peters told reporters his goal this offseason was to make Washington "younger and faster."
In free agency, Peters fixed some of the Commanders' biggest holes, signing edge rushers Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu. He brought back defensive tackle Tim Settle to help fix the run defense and added Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal to help rebuild the linebacker position. He didn't forget about the secondary either, signing cornerbacks Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon and Rasul Douglas. Witherspoon has since retired, but adding Douglas last month could quietly end up being one of Peters' best moves.
Offensively, the Commanders added tight end Chig Okonkwo, running back Rachaad White and wide receiver Dyami Brown.
That's an impressive free-agent haul. Then, in the 2026 NFL Draft, Washington selected Ohio State All-American linebacker Sonny Styles, Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams and raw, toolsy, athletic edge rusher Joshua Josephs, among others. Styles and Chenal can help turn the Commanders' linebackers from among the NFL's slowest to the fastest.
Still, many didn't think that drafting Williams and adding Brown and Van Jefferson was enough at wide receiver. With the signing of Diggs, that's no longer the case. In the last month alone, Peters has strengthened two important positions: cornerback and wide receiver. Douglas has been one of the stars of training camp.
Diggs gives the Commanders a proven NFL wide receiver who can win against any coverage and is a technician as a route runner. He can make Daniels and McLaurin better. What he did last season with New England was remarkable, especially considering he did it one year removed from a torn ACL. Even before Diggs' signing, Washington's wide receiver group was in a much better position than it was a year ago. Now, you could argue it's a team strength.
Early in camp, Washington's defensive improvements are notable. It's a much faster unit. More aggressive.
Now, all the Commanders have to do is win. Easier said than done, especially considering how difficult the schedule is to begin the season. But you can't say Peters didn't do enough. He did. It's up to head coach Dan Quinn now.
There has been a false narrative surrounding Peters for months that he didn't do enough to help Daniels. Nothing will help Daniels more than an improved defense. Adding more offensive weapons is the cherry on top. What Washington needs most is a healthy Daniels.
Winning the offseason does not matter. Every Commanders fan knows that all too well. However, Washington signing Stefon Diggs approximately five weeks before Week 1 caps off quite the offseason haul. Now, it must translate into wins; if it doesn't, don't blame Peters.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders signing Stefon Diggs caps off impressive offseason overhaul
