The Washington Commanders are playing a waiting game with Brandon Aiyuk. Most believe the wide receiver will eventually reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, but general manager Adam Peters is not going to trade for the privilege, as this saga reaches new levels of bitterness.
Most also expect the San Francisco 49ers to make this especially difficult, dragging it on right through the summer. However, one team insider provided fresh hope that the situation will be concluded much sooner.
Aiyuk's public tirade against the Niners on social media didn't do him any favors. He accused San Francisco of being scared to release him, knowing the wideout is healthy enough to make a leading contribution elsewhere. General manager John Lynch is holding out for a trade offer, and considering his roster bonus isn't due until just before Week 1, they could hold onto him until then.
49ers insider gives Commanders fans hope over swift end to Brandon Aiyuk saga
ESPN insider Nick Wagoner is starting to hear something different.
He got the sense that the Niners are probably ready to move on from Aiyuk, which is becoming a distraction they don't need. They realize that finding a trade suitor won't happen, and that's been the case for months. And if, or when, they eventually cut him loose, the former Arizona State standout only wants to play for Washington.
Wagoner is more plugged in than most when it comes to the Niners. His useful insight is different from the general consensus, but whether it becomes a reality is another matter.
Aiyuk has burned all bridges. The Niners have been dug in up to now, and they aren't losing anything by keeping him on the books. That would probably change if he showed up for training camp, but he would still need to pass physicals to get the all-clear.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and ESPN reaffirmed Washington's interest in Aiyuk this week. Daniels has reportedly been pushing hard behind the scenes, and Peters also knows the player well from their time together in San Francisco. Expecting miracles would be unrealistic, but if he can get back to anything like his old form, he'll be an asset.
This shouldn't be anything more than a one-year. prove-it deal. Aiyuk has missed a lot of football, and the red flags around his potential arrival are glaring. But if he is as desperate to join the Commanders as most believe, it's an offer he would no doubt be willing to accept.
It's a new, interesting wrinkle. And given how this situation is spiraling completely out of control, it's probably the best-case scenario for all involved.
Will it happen sooner than fans think? Time will tell.
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