Brandon Aiyuk is a complex figure. The wide receiver is currently on a social media tirade with a direct intent to make the San Francisco 49ers cut him. And when that happens, he's outlined his desire to sign for the Washington Commanders.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter thought this scenario was quickly becoming a foregone conclusion. But he also wondered just how much Aiyuk's social media activity would impact his chances of getting a switch to Washington.
The whole thing has become tedious. Aiyuk has his reasons, but his actions may only strengthen the Niners' resolve. They are not obliged to do right by the player, and they certainly won't be after the way his actions are perceived in the building.
Just how the Commanders are viewing this is anyone's guess.
Adam Schefter believes Brandon Aiyuk and Commanders will be on the clock soon
They are reportedly interested in Aiyuk, but general manager Adam Peters is standing his ground right now. There is no urgency attached to an approach, and there is absolutely no chance of another team coming in with a trade offer after everything that's unfolded.
Schefter pinpointed a potential timeline for Aiyuk's release. The senior insider thought the Niners would finally cut him loose when they got back into the building for training camp. He'll then be a free agent, and Washington's stance will become clear.
“What I think happens here, I would imagine when the 49ers get back and reconvene for training camp, right around then I would think they will wind up releasing Brandon Aiyuk. Just flat out cutting him. At that point Brandon Aiyuk will be a free agent and then we will see what type of impact his social media posts have had.”
This has gone on for long enough.
The Niners have moved on. Aiyuk is desperate for a fresh start, and this relationship has gone way past the point of no return. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan could keep being petty, but it's not looking favorable for anyone right now.
Aiyuk's public campaign to join the Commanders makes it almost sound like a done deal already. That could bring tampering allegations, which is why Peters has stayed so silent on the matter. They are rightfully playing a waiting game, no doubt gathering the required information behind the scenes before deciding on a possible approach at some stage.
The Arizona State product seems to think he'll sign with the Commanders one day after his departure from San Francisco becomes official. Aiyuk wants to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, so it's certainly feasible. But the risks are just as glaring.
Though reports suggest Aiyuk is healthy and ready to get back to football, he hasn't played for the best part of two years. He's not the easiest to manage, either, but the Commanders have people he trusts in the building that could possibly keep complications to a minimum.
Accusing Aiyuk of being the second coming of Antonio Brown seems a little far-fetched. It's an unconventional route to moving to Washington, which is why it's generating so many headlines. NFL players don't have the same power as those in the NBA, and bucking this trend normally means you're made an example of. That's what the wideout is dealing with, and he is not backing down an inch.
But if it does end up with him joining the Commanders, there is no doubt Aiyuk will feel vindicated.
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