Brandon Aiyuk is still with the San Francisco 49ers. The Washington Commanders remain hotly linked to the wide receiver. Aside from that, all sides are pretty much dug in.
The Niners aren't planning to release him anytime soon. Aiyuk has cut off all contact, refusing to entertain calls from elsewhere as he looks to join Washington. The Commanders are interested in securing his services, but they are also willing to wait it out.
But for one team insider, general manager Adam Peters' decision to draft Antonio Williams spoke volumes about their eventual intention with Aiyuk.
Antonio Williams pick leaves Commanders insider thinking one thing about Brandon Aiyuk
Lake Lewis Jr. of ESPN Radio, during an appearance on the Big Doug and Carm Show, has never been more convinced that Aiyuk will eventually end up with the Commanders. Williams' ability from the slot means an outside option is still required. That's where the Arizona State product comes in, but just when that'll be is anyone's guess right now.
"Until proven otherwise, I am convinced that Brandon Aiyuk will be in Washington. This move was made with that in mind.
"Now, you have the guys on the outside — you're one and two, Terry [McLaurin] and Brandon — and you have a guy underneath who's going to eat, too, and the tight end in Chig [Okonkwo]. I think that move was made with the potential of bringing in Brandon Aiyuk. I'm up in the high 70s, low 80s, that he's going to be here."
Williams can play inside or outside. The Commanders plan to maximize this versatility, though his best work has come from the slot. Looking at the other options available, having a legitimate Z receiver to put opposite Terry McLaurin should be high on Peters' remaining priorities.
Of course, there's a chance someone like Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, or Dyami Brown can fill the void, but gambling on that is risky. Aiyuk is no sure thing either, but if he is healthy and can get back to anything like the form that saw him go over 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, this will become an upgrade of epic proportions.
That's a big if, which is why the Commanders are reluctant to send a late-round pick over to the Niners to speed up this process. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is reportedly pushing for the move, and Aiyuk's desire is known. Both Washington and San Francisco know it, but everyone is still clinging to supposed leverage for now.
For fans, it's tedious. But if it ends up with Aiyuk in Washington, and he plays well, it'll all be worth it in the end.
Add us as a preferred source on Google