Stefon Diggs recently declared there’s no better WR2 in the NFL than him, but is he right? Personally, I think he’s overlooking a critical reality: the fantasy football landscape has evolved, and so have the metrics that define a top-tier WR2. Let’s dive into why I believe there are at least 14 WR2s who outshine Diggs in 2026—and what this says about the broader trends in the NFL.
The Diggs Dilemma: Talent vs. Opportunity
One thing that immediately stands out is Diggs’ target-earning ability. With a 24% targets per route run (TPRR) in 2025, he’s still elite in that department. But here’s the catch: his route participation rate was just 68%, which is abysmal for a player claiming to be the best WR2. What this really suggests is that Diggs might be a part-time player wherever he lands, and that’s a massive red flag for fantasy managers. If you take a step back and think about it, a WR2 who can’t consistently stay on the field isn’t a WR2 at all—he’s a boom-or-bust flex play.
The New Guard: WR2s Who Outshine Diggs
Let’s talk about players like George Pickens, Tee Higgins, and Davante Adams. These guys aren’t just WR2s; they’re borderline WR1s on most teams. Pickens, for instance, had an 89% route share and averaged 13.8 points per game (PPG) in 2025. Compare that to Diggs’ 9.1 PPG, and it’s not even close. What many people don’t realize is that Diggs’ age (32) and declining route share make him a risky pick, especially when younger, more consistent players are available.
The Upside Factor: Why Route Share Matters
A detail that I find especially interesting is how route share correlates with fantasy upside. Players like Jameson Williams (96% route share) and Rome Odunze (90%) are in pass-heavy offenses and have significantly higher ceilings than Diggs. Even someone like Jordyn Tyson, who lacks NFL experience, is in a faster-paced Saints offense that could catapult him into relevance. This raises a deeper question: Why would you draft Diggs, who’s stuck in a questionable Commanders offense, when you could target players in more favorable systems?
The Middle Ground: Where Diggs Falls Short
Courtland Sutton, Parker Washington, and Chris Godwin are prime examples of WR2s who offer more value than Diggs. Sutton’s 92% route share and 10.4 PPG make him a safer pick, especially with Jaylen Waddle joining the Broncos. Washington, meanwhile, averaged more PPG than Diggs on a similar route share and plays in a top-10 scoring offense. Godwin, fully healthy and sans Mike Evans, is poised for a breakout. Diggs? He’s still a free agent, and his most likely landing spot (Washington) isn’t exactly inspiring.
The Sleeper Picks: WR2s With Hidden Potential
Players like Jordan Addison, Ricky Pearsall, and Quentin Johnston might not have Diggs’ target-earning ability, but they’ve faced tougher competition and are in offenses primed for growth. Addison, for example, dealt with Justin Jefferson and poor QB play in Minnesota but still outperformed Diggs on a per-game basis. Pearsall and Johnston are in similar situations, with vacated opportunities in their respective offenses. These are the kinds of players who could explode in 2026, while Diggs remains a question mark.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Fantasy Football
If you take a step back and think about it, Diggs’ claim reveals a broader trend: the NFL’s WR2 role is no longer a consolation prize. It’s a position of immense value, especially in fantasy football. Players like Pickens, Higgins, and Adams are redefining what it means to be a WR2, and Diggs simply doesn’t fit that mold anymore. In my opinion, his days as a must-draft player are over.
Final Thoughts: Draft Smarter, Not Harder
Personally, I think Diggs’ confidence is admirable, but it’s misplaced. The data doesn’t lie: there are at least 14 WR2s who offer more upside, consistency, and opportunity than him in 2026. Fantasy football is a game of probabilities, and the odds are stacked against Diggs. So, the next time you’re drafting, remember: it’s not about the name on the back of the jersey—it’s about the numbers and the context behind them.
