Commanders rumors could lead to signing of Patriots, 49ers or Dolphins free agents

The Washington Commanders have yet to add the impact wide receiver they need, but it hasn't been for a lack of trying.

The Commanders came into the offseason needing an adequate No. 2 target and more depth behind Terry McLaurin. While the latter box has been checked, the former remains unaddressed.

But the Commanders have been trying. According to ESPN's John Keim, the team would have went after Alec Pierce if the Indianapolis Colts didn't lock him up to a long-term deal that prevented him from hitting the open market.

Keim also noted that Washington pursued another high-profile free agent at wide receiver, Romeo Doubs, but the New England Patriots won out there.

"According to sources with knowledge of the team's thinking, Washington would have pursued Indianapolis wideout Alec Pierce had he not opted to stay with Indianapolis before the legal negotiating period began," Keim reported.

"One source with knowledge of the situation said Pierce 'absolutely' would have signed with the Commanders if free," Keim added. [The Commanders] pursued Romeo Doubs but lost out to New England."

Keim notes that things remain murky on the Brandon Aiyuk front and he might not be an option for the Commanders if the San Francisco 49ers don't cut him and instead hold out for a trade.

Seeing as how the Commanders had interest in some of the big-ticket free agents at wide receiver this offseason, it's logical to assume they could sign other big-named wideouts, and more specifically free agents of the Patriots, Miami Dolphins and 49ers.

Those three players are Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill and Jauan Jennings.

Hill is by far the shakiest option of that trio. He's coming off a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments and there's no telling when he'll be healthy. And, when he does get healthy, it remains to be seen what Hill has left at 32 years old.

While we believe Hill will play at some point in 2026, we don't believe any team is going to sign him until he's fully cleared, so it might be a while before he finds a new home and Washington isn't in a position to wait that long.

Diggs is coming off a 1,000-yard season and would be a fantastic fit for the No. 2 role in Washington. However, the concern with him is he could hit a wall soon, as Diggs will be 33 in November.

Even still, with the rough spot the Commanders are in at wide receiver, it would be worth it to take a swing on the four-time Pro Bowler, who provides a more reliable veteran option than Hill.

Jennings is the youngest of the group at 28 years old and could provide a multi-year solution, something Diggs and Hill aren't likely to do.

The former seventh-round pick has shown an ability to be a No. 2 receiver after a 975-yard season in 2024. Jennings also has a connection to general manager Adam Peters from their days together in San Francisco.

He feels like the most realistic option for the Commanders, but nothing should be ruled out at this point and we wouldn't be shocked to see either Diggs or Hill end up in Washington in 2026.

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