Should NFL Players Target Hometown Teams?

Discover the complexities of NFL players returning to their hometown teams, featuring insights from Nick Cross and Stefon Diggs.

Tim Settle, who grew up in Northern Virginia, was drafted by Washington’s NFL franchise and returned to D.C. in the 2026 offseason.

Nick Cross, a native of Bowie, Md., who played high school football at DeMatha Catholic High School and later at the University of Maryland, found himself weighing options when he became a free agent this spring. With the Washington Commanders seeking a safety, the opportunity seemed tailor-made for him.

“You want to go where you can play and put your skills on display,” Cross remarked. “You want to go where you’re going to have an opportunity, and where you think you can win. That’s all that matters for me in football — put my skills on display, and go out there and do my thing.”

All eyes at Commanders’ training camp have turned to Stefon Diggs, a veteran receiver and Gaithersburg, Md. native. Diggs also played at Good Counsel High and at Maryland before establishing himself in the NFL. After completing an impressive 85-catch, 1,013-yard season with the New England Patriots, many speculate whether a return to his roots with the Commanders could be a perfect fit.

Yet, as Tim Settle Jr. cautioned, the realities of returning home are not that straightforward. “It’s not always that simple,” he said, reflecting on his own experience. Settle, who was drafted by Washington out of Virginia Tech in 2018, left for the Buffalo Bills in 2022 before returning this offseason. He knows firsthand the challenges of balancing familiarity with professionalism.

“I got my fanbases out here,” Settle continued. “I’m more recognized here. It’s just a familiarity with the area, and people are familiar with me. I know when I go somewhere, I got higher praise here than I would in, like, Texas.”

While there are advantages to playing at home, like the comfort of family, there are also drawbacks. Cross acknowledged, “It’s good to be around my mom, my dad… But there are drawbacks to anywhere you play.”

The Washington franchise has had its share of high-profile players who returned home with great expectations. Chase Young, formerly of Ohio State and a resident of Prince George’s County, was selected second overall in the 2020 draft, a storybook homecoming. However, the experience has not unfolded as hoped due to a mix of injuries and inconsistent performance.

In October 2023, Young faced scrutiny not just from fans, but also from his family when his father called into a radio show to defend him against criticisms over his performance. This incident exemplifies the added pressures of playing close to home, where scrutiny can often feel personal.

Cross reflects on the importance of making choices that prioritize both fit and opportunity, reiterating, “There’s a lot to consider when you’re making a choice, but the fit and the opportunity have to be what’s most important.”

As for Diggs, while the speculation around him continues, the Commanders are reportedly keeping an eye on his situation. Diggs, who spent part of his summer training at the Maryland facility, appears poised to see if he can secure a two-year deal as he approaches his 33rd birthday in November.

Cross has made his decision to join his hometown team, but emphasizes that the motivation was not solely about playing close to home. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen if Diggs will also choose to pursue the opportunity with the Commanders, a decision that could carry both pros and cons.