Brandon Aiyuk has suddenly gone quiet, seemingly satisfied by his social media tirade on the San Francisco 49ers before eventually throwing shade at Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, supposedly a close friend.
But according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the damage may have already been done.
Aiyuk has only raised more doubts about his uncertain future of late. He's obviously frustrated, and rightfully so. At the same time, there are right ways to go about these sorts of situations, and the wide receiver has taken every wrong turn imaginable.
Speculation linking Aiyuk with a move to the Commanders has died down considerably. The Arizona State product still feels like Washington will be his next stop, but a large section of fans, beat writers, and media personalities are now turned off by the possibility. General manager Adam Peters could still decide to take the risk, even if the concerns are glaring.
Adam Schefter believes Brandon Aiyuk may have surrendered his Commanders opening
Schefter reaffirmed that most people around the league thought that Aiyuk would land on the Commanders at some stage. That's not the case anymore, and the insider also speculated that his dubious Instagram choices could open the door for Stefon Diggs to get his desired Washington homecoming.
"Most people thought (Brandon) Aiyuk would go there (to Washington), and it may turn out to be that Brandon Aiyuk's social media posts created an opening for Stefon Diggs, who played at Maryland, to go back to that area. Take the spot that Brandon Aiyuk might have had, and now fill in."
Nobody knows for sure. Even so, Schefter doesn't put things out there just for the sake of it.
He's as well-connected an insider as there is in the business. Schefter is constantly pressing to gauge the temperature on any and every subject worth discussing across the NFL. Peters runs a tight ship, but Aiyuk's erratic behavior isn't in keeping with the roster he's tried to build this offseason.
Obviously, this wouldn't be a discussion if Aiyuk were silent, healthy, and making the moves required to get back into the league.
His talent is undeniable, as evidenced by his second-team All-Pro campaign in 2023. That was also a long time ago, and a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. The player Peters knew in San Francisco isn't the player Washington would be getting. And if he's burned bridges with Daniels, that's the confirmed deal breaker.
With training camp on the immediate horizon, decision time is looming. Aiyuk is still under contract with the Niners, but some believe they will cut bait once everyone is back in the building. The wideout has not applied for reinstatement either, so obstacles remain that leave many wondering just how much he wants to play football anymore.
Diggs has his own baggage, but he's productive and available now. The Commanders could target someone else, or they might stick with their current pass-catchers and hope they can exceed expectations in offensive coordinator David Blough's system.
Nothing is off the table, but it's starting to look like the Commanders won't be able to justify acquiring Aiyuk. Even if they may have wanted to once upon a time.
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