Quarterback Jayden Daniels is staying silent as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk calls him out on social media in a desperate attempt to secure a dream switch to the Washington Commanders when he is eventually released by the San Francisco 49ers.
Even so, he still managed to send Aiyuk a strong message without saying a word.
As Aiyuk tries to keep himself relevant in Instagram posts, burning bridges and torching anyone he feels like, Daniels is focused on getting better. He's looking to do whatever it takes to help the Commanders bounce back in 2026, leading from the front and going above the call of duty to get his teammates ready.
The latest example came this week. And it was perfectly timed.
Jayden Daniels is focused on making the Commanders better, not Brandon Aiyuk
Daniels arranged another workout with his primary pass-catchers, which was well attended. Everyone from Terry McLaurin to Dyami Brown and even the tight ends were catching passes from their signal-caller during the session. This not only hones chemistry skills but also builds bonds away from the field.
Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and a bunch of #Commanders players linked up for a workout together!
— Full Command (@FullCommandShow) July 9, 2026
📸: _dyamibrown on IG#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/0WFz7fYAMz
As expected, Aiyuk was nowhere to be found.
One of his recent social media posts hinted that Aiyuk knew about the workout, but he isn't setting foot in California while a warrant is out for his arrest over a speeding violation he foolishly filmed. That is a microcosm of how his situation is unfolding, and Daniels' cold shoulder right now is another damning indictment.
The former LSU standout doesn't need the distraction. Daniels doesn't especially like everything that comes with being an NFL quarterback. He's a private guy, preferring to focus on the game rather than anything else. Aiyuk is the exact opposite at the moment, so it's not hard to see why the quarterback has put some distance between himself and his old Arizona State teammate.
Daniels has turned his attention to what he can control. There is a lot at stake for the Commanders this season, and they will only go as far as the quarterback takes them. The No. 2 pick in 2024 will adapt if another dependable pass-catcher comes on board. But for now, he's fine-tuning everything using the available options at his disposal.
That is what all good leaders do.
In the field pic.twitter.com/LCYKxQxpw1
— Wale (@Wale) July 9, 2026
As for Aiyuk? The 2023 second-team All-Pro says he won't apply for reinstatement and won't show up in San Francisco to force the issue. The lack of self-awareness is glaring, and one has to wonder if this is a problem the Commanders need. Nobody knows for sure, but the opinions of fans and the media have certainly turned negative since his social media tirade began.
Just what Daniels makes of it all is anyone's guess. But either way, he's not letting it get in the way of progress with training camp on the immediate horizon.
And fans should have expected nothing less from Washington's franchise player.
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