Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs, the New England Patriots wide receiver, has signed a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 season. The veteran wide receiver, who previously played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and college football at Maryland, returned to his roots as he signed with the Commanders.

With the New England Patriots, Diggs had a solid 2024 season, appearing in just eight games as he battled a torn ACL. However, after signing a three-year deal with the Patriots in May 2025, he proved his worth by appearing in all 17 regular-season games, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 and also led the team in receptions and receiving yardage.

Upon evaluating Diggs' usage in New England, it becomes apparent that his performance in the short and intermediate areas of the field, particularly on crossing routes, was noteworthy. Pro Football Focus data revealed that Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in these areas, while Mack Hollins (30) followed closely in second place. Leading the pack in deep targets was Deebo Samuel with 26 targets, but with the departure of Samuel to San Francisco, Diggs will now be tasked with filling that role.

With Washington's new offensive coordinator David Blough, who is expected to emphasize the under-center, play-action passing game, there is an opportunity for Diggs to excel on those crossing routes underneath. As Washington's WR2, Diggs will likely enjoy volume in the system, providing a boost in PPR formats. Although Miami Dolphins wide receiver Noah Brown and Buffalo Bills receiver Dyami Brown could also garner some production, Diggs as a WR3 with WR2 upside offers a promising alternative for fantasy drafters.