Brandon Aiyuk remains in limbo as the San Francisco 49ers continue to hold out for a trade offer. The Washington Commanders are the wide receiver's preferred next destination, reuniting with close friend Jayden Daniels, but his current employers are not going to make things easy.
The Niners want something in return. Even if that's a 2027 seventh-round pick, it'll be better than nothing. And considering his roster bonus is not due until September 1, this saga could drag on for months.
Whether any willing trade suitor comes forward is anyone's guess. But according to Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, Aiyuk is not exactly a hot name with the draft fast approaching.
Brandon Aiyuk's lack of interest league-wide could play into the Commanders' hands
Jeremiah revealed, citing conversations with people around the league, that Aiyuk is not a name that has come up in his discussions. He thought it was somewhat puzzling, but it's another sign of how this situation is being perceived by others across the NFL.
“Talking to people around the league, the name has not come up at all. So, that one, that’s a mystery.”
This shouldn't come as a great shock. Aiyuk didn't play at all in 2025 while recovering from a serious knee injury. His relationship with the Niners has completely broken down, and both parties haven't spoken since November. It's messy, bitter, and everything in between. And people are noticing.
The Commanders are also unlikely to trade for Aiyuk. They are reportedly warming to the idea of bringing him to the franchise after conversations with Daniels. But giving up a pick and taking on the salary-cap hits over the final three years of his deal doesn't seem like something general manager Adam Peters would strongly consider.
If Jeremiah is hearing complete silence about Aiyuk, others across the league are too.
The Niners may think there is still a slim chance of some capital to remove the wideout from the equation, but the lack of buzz around the possibility speaks volumes. They are within their right to prolong the agony, but what would actually be the point aside from damaging the player if no offers come along?
Nobody is coming out of this looking especially favorable. Aiyuk's approach wasn't ideal, and the connection to Daniels in Washington has rubbed head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch the wrong way. The Niners haven't exactly covered themselves in glory either, but they are holding firm even in the face of criticism.
The Commanders will wait patiently. But they will be targeting others in the meantime.