The Washington Commanders finally made moves at the wide receiver position, signing Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. This should help boost the team's depth, but it won't preclude general manager Adam Peters from making more improvements to the unit.
And there remains strong speculation that Brandon Aiyuk will eventually join the ranks.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter didn't think the San Francisco 49ers were in any great rush to release Aiyuk, even if that's the likeliest scenario. This relationship has completely soured, so general manager John Lynch can make this as difficult as he likes. But there is no doubt that the 2020 first-round pick has played his last snap for the club.
Brandon Aiyuk reportedly wants to join the Commanders when his 49ers spell ends
According to John Keim of ESPN, the Commanders are well aware of Aiyuk's desire to join the Commanders. He's fighting to get into supreme physical shape despite missing the entire 2025 campaign due to injury. But the team insider still thought Peters would add more, especially given Terry McLaurin's precarious situation beyond 2026.
"Washington knows how much [Brandon] Aiyuk wants to play here and with good friend Jayden Daniels. Aiyuk has been working out. [Adam] Peters, of course, was in SF [San Francisco]. So they have insight into Aiyuk. Ideally under 10 mil on the 1 year. We’ll see.
"Even if/when Washington lands Brandon Aiyuk on a 1-year prove it, I would expect them to pursue another WR. They need another wideout who can build a relationship with Jayden Daniels -- especially with Terry McLaurin's cap hit around $34 million in '27."
This is quickly becoming the league's worst-kept secret. Aiyuk and quarterback Jayden Daniels have a strong bond, so Washington may well be his preferred destination. Peters knows what the player can do when fully focused, and Keim's projected deal would give him all the motivation needed for a longer-term commitment.
It's a waiting game, of course. The Niners could be waiting for a potential trade offer to ensure they get something back. But given the player's actions throughout the season and the salary-cap hit, no sensible team will give up draft assets to take on the contract.
If, and it's a big if, Aiyuk can return to anything like his old self and get a clear run of luck on the health front along the way, the Commanders will have struck gold. And the Niners already have a replacement after signing perennial 1,000-yard receiver Mike Evans following his prolific stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Aiyuk wants Washington. Daniels wants him here. And once the Niners finally cut him loose, it might not be much longer before he puts pen to paper.