Jayden Daniels has already stated how vocal he's been about the sort of scheme new offensive coordinator David Blough will run. It's a sign of his growing influence within the Washington Commanders, which could also affect the upcoming personnel moves for general manager Adam Peters.
The need for defensive enhancements cannot be overstated. At the same time, Peters must continue to provide Daniels with the weapons needed to flourish as the dynamic quarterback enters the third season of his rookie contract.
Several names are already being linked. Nothing concrete, of course, but the Commanders must be aggressive this offseason in pursuit of turning the tide in a make-or-break campaign for head coach Dan Quinn.
Jayden Daniels hints at Brandon Aiyuk's imminent arrival to the Commanders
An inevitable question came Daniels' way from Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports during his go-around on Media Row before the Super Bowl. This centered on a potential reunion with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and although subtle, the signal-caller gave the clearest sign yet that he would approve of this move.
"There's a couple individuals that are out there. Maybe somebody from Arizona State in my past. There’s people like that out there. I don't wanna give too much. But when that time comes, hopefully we can sign those types of players."Jayden Daniels via Yahoo Sports
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody. Daniels and Aiyuk developed a strong friendship in college that continues to this day. There are risks attached from Washington's perspective, but the former LSU standout could be precisely what the wideout needs to get his career back on track.
Aiyuk's time with the San Francisco 49ers is done. John Lynch confirmed as much during his end-of-season media availability. Finding a trade partner will be difficult, so releasing him seems the most viable solution. That's when the Commanders could potentially strike, and his relationship with Daniels may put Washington at the top of his list.
Expecting miracles would be foolish. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 campaign with a serious knee injury, so there is just no telling whether he can get back to his old form. Daniels will bang the table hard for his friend if he gets the chance, but Peters has every right to ask questions about the way things ended in San Francisco.
If the Commanders can get Aiyuk for a one-year, incentivized deal to see if he's got something to offer, that might be a risk worth taking. Anything less, and Washington must pursue other targets.
But if Daniels has any say in the matter, Aiyuk will be in a Washington uniform during the 2026 campaign. That much is painfully obvious.