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Three NFL Teams That Can’t Afford To Screw up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com  credits: Sue Ogrocki | source: AP   The NFL Draft is finally almost here.Which for some general managers could end up being their kiss of death. Every year, teams use the NFL Draft to improve their rosters. Both Super Bowl teams, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, proved how important it is to build through the draft in order to rebuild quickly.But other organizations aren’t as fortunate, selecting the wrong players in the improper slots and butchering the NFL’s biggest event each spring.That generally results in GMs getting fired and franchises navigating into completely different directions. With that amount of pressure in mind, these teams can’t afford to mess up this year’s draft.New York JetsThe Jets absolutely have to take a step in the right direction.Aaron Glenn’s first year was a disaster that led to the roster purge at the NFL trade deadline which traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner for three total first-round draft picks.Unfortunately for the Jets, there’s no clean path for Gang Green to find a quarterback in this year’s class. They’ll be bad enough to draft one in 2027, but they absolutely need to draft difference makers in key defensive positions and find playmakers to support whoever suits up at quarterback.New York Giants Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images   Both New York teams!All eyes will be on general manager Joe Schoen for his first draft of the John Harbaugh era.Harbaugh could’ve picked any NFL team and he picked the Giants. They already have some key pieces including Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. They also have two premium draft picks, No. 5 overall and No. 10 overall.If Schoen somehow botches this situation, he’ll be gone, and Harbaugh will be hiring a replacement in just a few months.Las Vegas Raiders  Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images   What? Aren’t the Raiders supposed to be the Belle of the ball?They’re getting their golden boy at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. But now comes the hard part – trying to win with him right away.The Raiders thought they were going to have two bonus first-round picks before the Baltimore Ravens screwed them out of the Maxx Crosby trade. With Mendoza and Crosby, they might as well try to replicate their AFC West rival Denver Broncos by competing right away. By Denver’s standards, it would be a tad disappointing if the Raiders can’t bounce back quickly. After all, the Broncos got off the mat in just two seasons after eating Russell Wilson’s outrageous cap hit.   #NFL #Teams #Afford #Screw #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

Three NFL Teams That Can’t Afford To Screw up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com
Three NFL Teams That Can’t Afford To Screw up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com  credits: Sue Ogrocki | source: AP   The NFL Draft is finally almost here.Which for some general managers could end up being their kiss of death. Every year, teams use the NFL Draft to improve their rosters. Both Super Bowl teams, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, proved how important it is to build through the draft in order to rebuild quickly.But other organizations aren’t as fortunate, selecting the wrong players in the improper slots and butchering the NFL’s biggest event each spring.That generally results in GMs getting fired and franchises navigating into completely different directions. With that amount of pressure in mind, these teams can’t afford to mess up this year’s draft.New York JetsThe Jets absolutely have to take a step in the right direction.Aaron Glenn’s first year was a disaster that led to the roster purge at the NFL trade deadline which traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner for three total first-round draft picks.Unfortunately for the Jets, there’s no clean path for Gang Green to find a quarterback in this year’s class. They’ll be bad enough to draft one in 2027, but they absolutely need to draft difference makers in key defensive positions and find playmakers to support whoever suits up at quarterback.New York Giants Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images   Both New York teams!All eyes will be on general manager Joe Schoen for his first draft of the John Harbaugh era.Harbaugh could’ve picked any NFL team and he picked the Giants. They already have some key pieces including Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. They also have two premium draft picks, No. 5 overall and No. 10 overall.If Schoen somehow botches this situation, he’ll be gone, and Harbaugh will be hiring a replacement in just a few months.Las Vegas Raiders  Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images   What? Aren’t the Raiders supposed to be the Belle of the ball?They’re getting their golden boy at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. But now comes the hard part – trying to win with him right away.The Raiders thought they were going to have two bonus first-round picks before the Baltimore Ravens screwed them out of the Maxx Crosby trade. With Mendoza and Crosby, they might as well try to replicate their AFC West rival Denver Broncos by competing right away. By Denver’s standards, it would be a tad disappointing if the Raiders can’t bounce back quickly. After all, the Broncos got off the mat in just two seasons after eating Russell Wilson’s outrageous cap hit.   #NFL #Teams #Afford #Screw #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.comcredits: Sue Ogrocki | source: AP

The NFL Draft is finally almost here.

Which for some general managers could end up being their kiss of death. Every year, teams use the NFL Draft to improve their rosters. Both Super Bowl teams, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, proved how important it is to build through the draft in order to rebuild quickly.

But other organizations aren’t as fortunate, selecting the wrong players in the improper slots and butchering the NFL’s biggest event each spring.

That generally results in GMs getting fired and franchises navigating into completely different directions. With that amount of pressure in mind, these teams can’t afford to mess up this year’s draft.

New York Jets

The Jets absolutely have to take a step in the right direction.

Aaron Glenn’s first year was a disaster that led to the roster purge at the NFL trade deadline which traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner for three total first-round draft picks.

Unfortunately for the Jets, there’s no clean path for Gang Green to find a quarterback in this year’s class. They’ll be bad enough to draft one in 2027, but they absolutely need to draft difference makers in key defensive positions and find playmakers to support whoever suits up at quarterback.

New York Giants

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Both New York teams!

All eyes will be on general manager Joe Schoen for his first draft of the John Harbaugh era.

Harbaugh could’ve picked any NFL team and he picked the Giants. They already have some key pieces including Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. They also have two premium draft picks, No. 5 overall and No. 10 overall.

If Schoen somehow botches this situation, he’ll be gone, and Harbaugh will be hiring a replacement in just a few months.

Las Vegas Raiders

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesDec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

What? Aren’t the Raiders supposed to be the Belle of the ball?

They’re getting their golden boy at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. But now comes the hard part – trying to win with him right away.

The Raiders thought they were going to have two bonus first-round picks before the Baltimore Ravens screwed them out of the Maxx Crosby trade. With Mendoza and Crosby, they might as well try to replicate their AFC West rival Denver Broncos by competing right away. By Denver’s standards, it would be a tad disappointing if the Raiders can’t bounce back quickly. After all, the Broncos got off the mat in just two seasons after eating Russell Wilson’s outrageous cap hit.

#NFL #Teams #Afford #Screw #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

credits: Sue Ogrocki | source: AP

The NFL Draft is finally almost here.

Which for some general managers could end up being their kiss of death. Every year, teams use the NFL Draft to improve their rosters. Both Super Bowl teams, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, proved how important it is to build through the draft in order to rebuild quickly.

But other organizations aren’t as fortunate, selecting the wrong players in the improper slots and butchering the NFL’s biggest event each spring.

That generally results in GMs getting fired and franchises navigating into completely different directions. With that amount of pressure in mind, these teams can’t afford to mess up this year’s draft.

New York Jets

The Jets absolutely have to take a step in the right direction.

Aaron Glenn’s first year was a disaster that led to the roster purge at the NFL trade deadline which traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner for three total first-round draft picks.

Unfortunately for the Jets, there’s no clean path for Gang Green to find a quarterback in this year’s class. They’ll be bad enough to draft one in 2027, but they absolutely need to draft difference makers in key defensive positions and find playmakers to support whoever suits up at quarterback.

New York Giants

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Both New York teams!

All eyes will be on general manager Joe Schoen for his first draft of the John Harbaugh era.

Harbaugh could’ve picked any NFL team and he picked the Giants. They already have some key pieces including Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. They also have two premium draft picks, No. 5 overall and No. 10 overall.

If Schoen somehow botches this situation, he’ll be gone, and Harbaugh will be hiring a replacement in just a few months.

Las Vegas Raiders

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesDec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

What? Aren’t the Raiders supposed to be the Belle of the ball?

They’re getting their golden boy at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. But now comes the hard part – trying to win with him right away.

The Raiders thought they were going to have two bonus first-round picks before the Baltimore Ravens screwed them out of the Maxx Crosby trade. With Mendoza and Crosby, they might as well try to replicate their AFC West rival Denver Broncos by competing right away. By Denver’s standards, it would be a tad disappointing if the Raiders can’t bounce back quickly. After all, the Broncos got off the mat in just two seasons after eating Russell Wilson’s outrageous cap hit.

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#NFL #Teams #Afford #Screw #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

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Arbeloa defends Mbappe’s effort despite Madrid’s Champions League exit to Bayern <div id="content-body-70884932" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa mounted a strong defence of Kylian Mbappé, who was criticised for what some perceived as a lack of defensive effort in last week’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.</p><p>Arbeloa, who is under pressure with Real all but certain to finish the season without a trophy, said Mbappé had nothing to reproach himself for and added that, apart from scoring in both legs of the quarterfinal, he had “given his all in defence”.</p><p>Real lost 4-3 in a thrilling second leg to Bayern, which progressed 6-4 on aggregate, with the Spanish side reduced to 10 men after Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute.</p><p>Bayern scored twice after the dismissal, which triggered criticism of Mbappé.</p><p>Arbeloa, however, dismissed those claims at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Real’s home game against Alavés.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/ibrahima-konate-soon-liverpool-new-contract-transfer-updates-real-madrid-premier-league/article70884517.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Konate close to new Liverpool deal, keen to stay amid Real Madrid links</a></b></p><p>“I have nothing to reproach Kylian about,” Arbeloa said. “He was at the top of his game, he scored in both legs and was a constant threat to their defence.</p><p>“He gave his all in defence, he worked really hard. I was thoroughly satisfied with his performance in that match,” added the 43-year-old.</p><p>Mbappé, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions in his second season in Spain, will have to wait longer to fulfil what Arbeloa described as his “dream” of winning the Champions League.</p><p>That ambition was one of the key reasons behind his move from Paris Saint-Germain, which went on to win the title last season.</p><p>Arbeloa’s own future remains uncertain, with Barcelona leading Real by nine points in La Liga with seven matches remaining. The Spaniard, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this season, said his fate was not in his hands but insisted there was no need for a “huge revolution” at the club to bounce back next season.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 20, 2026</p></div> #Arbeloa #defends #Mbappes #effort #Madrids #Champions #League #exit #Bayern

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The Drama’s Darkest Secret Is the One Nobody Is Talking About | Den of Geek

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby  May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.  The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.  Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”  The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.   Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”  While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.  Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”  The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #DerbyMay 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”


The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby  May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.  The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.  Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”  The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.   Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”  While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.  Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”  The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026  Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to  million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.  #Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

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

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

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