Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
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Aiyuk, Diggs or the rookie? Sizing up Commanders’ options at WR2
They could opt for someone not currently on the team — whether that’s waiting on Brandon Aiyuk, who isn’t yet available, or Stefon Diggs, who is free. Or they could opt for internal development, hoping that third-round rookie Antonio Williams emerges early.
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Multiple league sources, as well as former coaches and executives, acknowledge the Commanders could use someone else alongside McLaurin, their top target since he entered the NFL as a third-round pick in 2019.
Washington’s other receivers are too unproven to predict one could emerge as a strong No. 2 option. The Commanders did sign tight end Chig Okonkwo in free agency. And, under new coordinator David Blough, it’s likely they’ll run more two- and three tight end sets. That would cut down on how often they need a third wideout, but regardless a solid second receiver is desired.
Brandon Aiyuk
Meanwhile, Washington has been content to wait. The Commanders have more knowledge about Aiyuk than most teams because Peters was an assistant GM in San Francisco from 2020-2023. They also have quarterback Jayden Daniels, who played with Aiyuk for one year at Arizona State and remains close with him.
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Stefon Diggs
With McLaurin in place, Diggs wouldn’t need to be the lead receiver in Washington. And, as one person who used to work for Washington said, Diggs gives the coaches a player who can make an immediate impact; he can play in the slot or the flanker position in a two-receiver set. It also would give the rookie Williams a chance to develop.
Antonio Williams
Washington was ecstatic being able to land Williams, with one coach saying he might have been a first-round pick if he’d left school after his 2024 season.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Williams can play “multiple spots.” Williams is considered more of a slot receiver, though he did play outside on occasion at Clemson. In a 34-3 loss to Georgia in 2024 — an outing that stood out for Washington’s decision makers — Williams caught six passes for 76 yards while playing outside and facing mostly press coverage.
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JP Finlay
London behind, London ahead
As the game continued and went to overtime it got even weirder. Normally in the U.S. the media works from the press box and there’s devoted elevators to get us down to the field level for postgame. Not in Wembley.
At the bottom of the lower section of seats, there was a gate down to the track before the field. Next to the gate was a big burly security guard standing there. Before Dustin Hopkins lined up to win the game in overtime with a field goal, I walked down to the gate. I told the security guard I needed to get to the field. He replied – sternly – nobody gets on the field until the game is over. He didn’t seem thrilled with me.
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I explained that once Hopkins makes this kick, the game will be over. It’s sudden death.
The security guard didn’t flinch. Nobody on the field until the game is over.
My concern was I was supposed to be on TV within 5 minutes of the game ending, and the layout in Wembley meant we were on the opposite side of the field from the live shot location and it was going to take some time to get over there. I didn’t quite make a scene but I made it clear I wasn’t happy. I kind of squatted in the row near the gate and announced my intention to run to the live shot as soon as the kick went in.
Only it didn’t. Hop missed a chippy. And the game continued.
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Commanders
Commanders UDFA K Drew Stevens ready to compete in training camp
Most of Stevens’ day at Washington Commanders’ rookie minicamp was spent away from the rest of the players on the field. He worked with the long snapper and holder who were invited for a tryout hitting field goals at different distances. He had not kicked in the four days leading up to practice, but that did not stop him from hitting a 53-yarder in windy conditions.
“I could have gone further back,” Stevens said. “I’m just kind of knocking some rust off…but we’ll see.”
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NFL execs predict 2027 offseason: QB carousel coming?
George Pickens’ future in Dallas comes into focus
“Dallas is going to face a big decision because Pickens is set up to have another productive season and the receiver market has skyrocketed,” an executive with an NFL team said. “If they tag him again without the promise of a new deal, he could revolt.”
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Using the franchise tag on Pickens in 2027 would cost Dallas $32.6 million, a relative bargain for a receiver of his talent. Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba agreed to a four-year, $168 million deal with Seattle this offseason, setting the new high mark at the position, and the Rams’ Puka Nacua is eligible for an extension as well.
“I’m kind of surprised it didn’t get ugly this offseason. I understand the character stuff, but he produced at a ridiculous level last year,” the executive said. “If he does it again, then he can hold their feet to the fire a little more. And they still have to be willing to hold that franchise tag number on their [2027] books, which isn’t always easy.”
Eagles will face a decision about Jalen Hurts’ future
This is a crucial year for the Eagles’ offense under Hurts, after their passing attack ranked in the bottom third of the league in back-to-back seasons.
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The offense will feature more play-action and under-center work, which Hurts has hesitated to embrace at times in the past but has appeared very open to this offseason, according to sources. “As open as he’s ever been,” a source said.
Hurts has been throwing off site with multiple Eagles receivers, including his new No. 1, Devonta Smith — assuming A.J. Brown is traded as expected — and veteran Elijah Moore. Some NFL personnel evaluators still consider him a top-12 quarterback in the league. All of that won’t dim the spotlight placed on him this season — and the spotlight on the team’s next move if he struggles again.
“Hurts I could see,” said an AFC exec when asked whether Philly could look to move him this offseason if the offense struggles. “Polarizing player, and as his running ability starts to decline, his value will decline, too. And [Eagles general manager Howie Roseman] will always be proactive with finding solutions.”
Hurts has $22 million in 2027 guarantees. The team would take a $2.9 million cap hit if he’s traded before June 1 but would save $21.4 million on that year’s cap if he’s dealt after June 1. “The guarantees make it like a Kyler Murray situation where Philly would have to pay to facilitate a trade,” another AFC executive said. The flip side: Hurts can force Philly’s hand on a new contract if he thrives. His current deal runs through the 2028 season.
