Commanders' Dan Quinn says Stefon Diggs surpassing expectations

The Washington Commanders wanted their wide receiver room to be sufficient the way it was, but without bringing in any big names, it wasn't long before they realized that they needed another piece. For awhile, there was speculation that Brandon Aiyuk would join the ranks of the burgundy and gold, but between his social media antics and still being under contract, that fizzled out quickly.

Then, the San Francisco 49ers snatched up Deebo Samuel when they learned Ricky Pearsall would be out for the season, and the Commanders knew they couldn't wait any longer. Now, alongside Terry McLaurin, the Commanders have veteran receiver Stefon Diggs as a target for Jayden Daniels on the field. After practice on Tuesday, head coach Dan Quinn discussed the progress of the team's newest member.

Dan Quinn said Stefon Diggs' football smarts and instincts have already surpassed his expectations. He's good against man and zone and there have been more explosive plays since he joined the team. pic.twitter.com/pkOFtWS4KV

Quinn is asked if he has seen more explosiveness on the field since bringing Diggs into the fold. "Well, yeah, I would say in some ways I have," Quinn replies. "There's already been some explosive play passes. The interesting thing about Stef, like a smart player, is he's good against zone; he knows how to stay down, he's good against both. In terms of zone and man-to-man, he knows how to get himself open. His football smarts and instincts- I thought they were gonna be really high, and they're already past that. We're in the early days; he's still learning it, but yeah, that's where he's already making an impact for sure."

Diggs is entering his 12th season in the NFL. The time he spent with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills is what built his name, and his continued solid play with the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. Diggs is one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL. Perhaps his biggest flaw is his desire for touches. In the past, he's shown an unwillingness to accept fewer targets, but his mindset seems different this year. In his lone season for the Patriots last season, he led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 receiving yards, playing roughly half of the offensive snaps. He also did it coming off an ACL injury in 2024.

On top of bringing in a guy who has a name that will make defenses pay closer attention, the Commanders have landed one of the top players in the league for explosive plays. That's something they lacked in 2025, and even though Diggs may not have the speed he once did, his route-running precision and ability to read a defender are what give him the opportunity for those plays now.

So long as the Commanders' offensive line gives Jayden Daniels the time he needs in 2026, this team could have a really fun season.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Dan Quinn says Stefon Diggs surpassing expectations