The Washington Commanders have a lot of work to do this offseason in roster construction, but they need to be cautious about who they bring in. And one of their top rumored targets is someone who will require careful consideration.
Brandon Aiyuk was a second-team All-Pro in 2023. Perhaps more significantly, he has a close relationship with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two of them played together at Arizona State University in 2019 and remain good friends to this day.
Still, that's not everything. Adam Peters can't let sentimental appeal get in the way of a player's true value. When it comes to Aiyuk, there are some major red flags that can't be ignored.
Commanders can't get carried away with their Brandon Aiyuk dream
Add Kevin Sheehan of The Team 980 to the list of detractors when it comes to Aiyuk, who missed the entire 2025 season and played only seven games in 2024. The popular radio host would be willing to take a look at the San Francisco 49ers star, but only conditionally.
"This is a risk player right now. Forget about the craziness of the field, this is a guy coming off of a very serious injury. The idea of getting the Brandon Aiyuk of 2023, in this offense… if you tell me I'm getting that guy, 100 percent yes. But I think you have to tread very lightly."Kevin Sheehan
The Commanders should tread lightly with Brandon Aiyuk. Kevin Sheehan on what would make him change his mind about Washington pursuing the 49ers wide receiver pic.twitter.com/5yhHcBvecf
— The Team 980 (@team980) February 20, 2026
The popular belief is that the Commanders would trade for Aiyuk, whose contract runs through the 2028 season. But speculation is growing that the receiver may be outright cut, making him a free agent.
That, in and of itself, should turn Washington away. The relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers organization has soured, and the player is responsible for how he has handled the situation. The Commanders don't need any prima donnas. That's exactly how the 2020 first-round pick has come off.
Even so, Sheehan claims he would give Aiyuk a look if it's for the right price. If the Commanders are able to get him if he's eventually released to avoid paying the salary they'd have to take on if they traded for him, he might be worth a shot. After all, he racked up more than 1,300 receiving yards only three seasons ago.
The door shouldn't be completely shut on Washington adding Aiyuk. But it should only be open just a crack, regardless of what Daniels clearly thinks about the situation.