The Washington Commanders have been hotly linked to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for months. But with his actions still causing significant concern, it might be time for general manager Adam Peters to explore other options.
Aiyuk caused a stir that could be his last. Starting a social media beef with quarterback Jayden Daniels was the latest miscalculation. While some speculate it is nothing more than playful online trolling between two close friends, it was enough for some fans to abandon their hopes of a reunion in Washington.
The red flags are glaring. Aiyuk's injury problems are well documented, but his actions on social media were both unwelcome and unnecessary. If Peters is looking for another productive veteran to go alongside Terry McLaurin, as reported, it might be worth turning his attention elsewhere.
With this in mind, here are six wide receivers the Commanders should consider, and they are not named Brandon Aiyuk.
Wide receivers the Washington Commanders should consider after Brandon Aiyuk burns his final bridge
Commanders could sign DeAndre Hopkins
The Commanders may be looking for someone younger with more long-term upside than DeAndre Hopkins. But if they are looking for a dependable boundary option who can still make tough catches at all three levels of the field, acquiring the free agent is certainly feasible.
Nobody would be expecting miracles from Hopkins. He is not the force of old, which is understandable at 34. Even so, he remains a physical presence with elite body control, and the former Clemson star knows how to create separation.
In the short term, that might be all the Commanders need.
This would be nothing more than a one-year arrangement, and Peters has moved away from signing aging veterans like this during his third offseason at the helm. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and getting the chance to catch passes from Jayden Daniels would no doubt be a tempting proposition.
Commanders could trade for Xavier Legette
If the Commanders feel bullish about their chances this season, exploring potential trades is a possibility. That might be a little unrealistic, but Adam Peters should keep nothing off the table in pursuit of improvements.
Just who could be available is the big question.
Teams are always willing to give their underperforming young players a chance to raise confidence over the summer. That is true of the Carolina Panthers and their 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, but he seems further down the depth chart than ever.
The Panthers have Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker as their 1-2 tandem. They also spent a third-round pick on Chris Brazzell II, who brings size, length, and the ability to stretch the field. Carolina isn't ready to give up on Legette just yet, but a huge effort is needed to turn the tide.
Legette has all the physical tools needed to be more impactful. This wouldn't be a sure thing by any stretch, but the South Carolina product does look like a good scheme fit within David Blough's new offensive concepts, with his athleticism and ability to make plays with the football in his hands.
Add us as a preferred source on Google