Brandon Aiyuk is on a road to ruin, alienating himself from almost the entire NFL as the San Francisco 49ers still refuse to release him. And according to leading insider Ian Rapoport, the conversations have shifted.
This is not about whether the Washington Commanders will give Aiyuk a chance anymore. It's about the person and his well-being after some questionable social media activity in recent weeks.
Based on what Rapoport is hearing, the NFL Network and ESPN insider believes those around the league, including people Aiyuk is close to in Washington, are more interested in his overall state of mind right now. And in terms of securing his dream move to the Commanders, those chances are now remote.
"Those close to (Brandon) Aiyuk, including some within the Commanders building, are much more concerned about his well-being. Making sure he is okay rather than signing him. That seems to be a long shot right now."
Football is the furthest thing from Commanders' mind with Brandon Aiyuk
There is obvious concern around Aiyuk's behavior. He's frustrated. The Niners have moved on, yet they are denying him the same privilege. They feel deeply betrayed by the way he's gone about his business, and unless someone comes forward with a trade offer, general manager John Lynch doesn't have to do anything.
Aiyuk is taking his bitterness out on everybody. Lynch, Kyle Shanahan, the NFLPA, and even quarterback Jayden Daniels have been targets. And even though Adam Peters said that social media behavior isn't usually a deciding factor in whether someone gets signed, it's hard to ignore it in this instance.
This saga descended into chaos long ago. The Niners have washed their hands of the matter, and the Commanders would be running a big risk by giving him a chance. At the same time, he's still a person, and going off the rails like this is nothing short of alarming.
And the flip-flopping behavior that seems to take a different turn every day now threatens to seriously jeopardize his hopes of ever playing in the league again.
Aiyuk reportedly bought a $10 million property in Loudoun County, Virginia, just a short distance from the Commanders' practice facility. The former Arizona State playmaker is convinced that Washington is his next stop, though he hasn't even applied for reinstatement yet. It's bordering on delusion, which only raises worry in those who know him best.
Most wide receivers have a little bit of diva in them. Aiyuk is no different, but this has now crossed a line. Now, his welfare is the most important thing, and until that brings satisfaction, neither the Commanders nor anyone else will be taking the plunge.
It's a sad scene. And football is quickly becoming the furthest thing from anyone's mind when it comes to Aiyuk.
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