The Washington Commanders ended their long search for another veteran wide receiver with the eye-catching signing of Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $12 million.
And with that, they firmly closed the door on the almost constant summer speculation around San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk.
Like Diggs, Aiyuk made no secret of his desire to join the Commanders. He was constantly in team colors on social media, believing this was almost a foregone conclusion once San Francisco eventually released him. However, some questionable choices on Instagram saw this possibility fade as quickly as it arrived.
Commanders' speculation around Brandon Aiyuk ended up being exactly that
Aiyuk took shots at everybody. He even threw shade at quarterback Jayden Daniels, which was the final straw for Washington fans who were eager to see the former Arizona State teammates reunite in the pros.
He took burning bridges to a whole new level. And based on a recent report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the smoke around Diggs and Washington had no real substance attached.
Diggs was always their guy. Aiyuk was merely a sideshow.
In an alternate universe — one where Aiyuk has done things the right way and applied for reinstatement without taking his frustration out on social media — there's a good chance Washington would have taken a chance. General manager Adam Peters knows him well. So does Daniels, and Wes Welker coached him in San Francisco.
But this ship has sailed. And the focus went onto Aiyuk's well-being long before the Commanders' move for Diggs became official.
Commanders made the right call by choosing Stefon Diggs over Brandon Aiyuk
This is the right path for Washington.
Diggs is more productive and available right now. Aiyuk hasn't played since Week 7 of the 2024 season, and he is technically still part of the Niners. They haven't (and won't) do him any favors after being stung by his behavior, but one has to wonder if anyone will give the second-team All-Pro another shot.
The Commanders needed a sure thing. Diggs has baggage, but he was the consummate professional with the New England Patriots last season en route to another 1,000-yard-receiving campaign. Aiyuk is heading the other way, and even though he has friends (or used to) in Washington, the risks far outweighed the rewards.
Is there a chance the Commanders take a flier on Aiyuk if he becomes available? Perhaps. But it would now be a bombshell of epic proportions.
Everyone has moved on. Everyone but Aiyuk, who is still stuck in football purgatory without the self-awareness to recognize his situation for what it is.
It's a sad tale. But the Commanders were absolutely right not to wait around in the faint hope Aiyuk eventually got his affairs in order.
Add us as a preferred source on Google