The Washington Commanders are reportedly waiting for the San Francisco 49ers to release wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk before making a move. That might not be right away, but all signs point to this scenario becoming reality at some stage during the offseason.
Aiyuk's relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels has led most around the league to believe Washington will be his next stop when the Niners cut ties. ESPN insider Adam Schefter didn't get the sense his departure was imminent, and after how he's treated the franchise, general manager John Lynch can get as petty as he likes with the player.
Washington will be patient. However, Aiyuk's personal receivers coach and former Pro Bowl wideout offered a warning to the Commanders if they choose to go down this route.
Commanders urged to cover their bases with Brandon Aiyuk by T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who has worked closely with Aiyuk on improving the nuances of his game, thought the Commanders should want him. Even so, the 2020 first-round pick's erratic behavior over the last year means Adam Peters should cover his bases if it all goes horribly wrong.
“Yeah, they should want him, but you have to be very careful.. What he did last year was kind of crazy. You’ve got all this guaranteed money, you’re not showing up, you’re getting fined, and you basically forgo over $30 million. If you’re a team, you’ve got to structure that contract the right way. You’ve got to make sure you protect yourself because of what he has shown you. I’ve just never seen anybody do this at so young of an age.”
This won't be lost on Peters. He'll have connections in San Francisco, so the front-office leader will get their side of the story. Aiyuk will also have to explain himself, although he will have Daniels vouching for him.
The two remain close. They were teammates in college at Arizona State and are extremely tight to this day. Aiyuk reportedly wants to play in Washington, but there is no leverage yet. The Commanders would probably like to get a one-year, prove-it deal done. If everything goes well after that, the pass-catcher will get a longer-term commitment.
Everything is on ice until the Niners cut the cord. Lynch could be biding his time to get a trade offer. But given everything that has happened with Aiyuk, coupled with the injury history, it makes that scenario unlikely.
Daniels will be trying hard to convince Peters that this is the right move. And if the Commanders' decision to sign running back Rachaad White is any indication, his influence on recruitment is growing.
This will be Aiyuk's last chance. If the Commanders give it to him, he has to get with the program and embrace the chance to play with Daniels once again.
Nothing else will do.