Washington-area native Stefon Diggs returns home to the Commanders in a full-circle moment

Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs works out during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, Aug. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs works out during practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, Aug. (AP) — For the first decade of his NFL career, Stefon Diggs always felt like he had something to prove when going up against Washington.

“That’s my hometown team, them and the Baltimore Ravens,” Diggs said Friday. “I always played with a chip on my shoulder, but the chip got really big when I’d go home because I felt like they passed up on me, didn’t give me a chance, and I was right in their backyard.” Washington, and every NFL franchise, passed on Diggs multiple times in the 2015 draft before Minnesota selected him in the fifth round. After stints with the Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and New England Patriots, and four Pro Bowl selections later, Diggs signed with his hometown Commanders earlier this week.

It’s a full-circle moment for Diggs, a Gaithersburg, Maryland, native who played for youth programs in the area growing up. A five-star recruit with scholarship offers practically anywhere in the country, Diggs chose to stay home and play for the University of Maryland. “I can’t write a better story,” Diggs said.

“At this point in my career, being healthy, coming off an ACL (injury), having success, going to your hometown team and wanting to shine for them. … I want to put on for my city.” His homecoming is more than just a feel-good story. The Commanders entered training camp with a massive hole at No.

2 wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, and Diggs figures to fill it as an instant upgrade. Stylistically, Diggs is an excellent fit opposite McLaurin, who is a more traditional “X” receiver. Diggs has experience playing on the perimeter and in the slot and was one of the league’s best chain-movers in 2025 — 51 of his 85 receptions went for first downs.

“When you see him work inside as a slot player, he’s got great feel,” head coach Dan Quinn said. … He’s somebody certainly that can move the chains, and you know how important that is — to have somebody that has the detail of option routes and specifics.” Diggs said he didn’t have a personal relationship with McLa…