We're now at June 1 in the long-running standoff between wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers, with the Washington Commanders firmly in the middle through no fault of their own. This is the date when some are expecting movement, but it doesn't seem likely.
The Niners are holding on. They are intent on getting something back in return for Aiyuk, especially after being stung so badly by the wideout's actions. But there is a growing sense around the league that no willing suitor will come forward.
And one NFL insider's recent update on Aiyuk only adds more weight to this motion.
Jeremy Fowler reveals what the NFL really thinks of Brandon Aiyuk as Commanders hold firm
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, citing two unnamed executives around the league, laid out the NFL's clear stance on Aiyuk's situation. They told him he is untradable. The money and injury issues make it almost impossible to get another team to part ways with a draft pick.
And yet, they are keeping him around anyway.
“I have talked to two rival executives who believe Brandon Aiyuk is un-tradable. That it’s just going to be hard to move on because of the knee issues. Plus he’s kind of ghosted the 49ers at times and then you have the contract.”
This is the consensus. Aiyuk has a lot of baggage. He'd probably have a market if he's eventually released, but it's not hard to see why NFL teams, including the Commanders, are reluctant to make a trade.
That's not going to change anything for the Niners right now.
They have time on their side, with Aiyuk's roster bonus not due until just before Week 1. It doesn't matter if they release him tomorrow or an hour before the bonus is due; it's still going to cost them the same. And the emotions involved dictate the level of pettiness being portrayed.
The Commanders are reportedly keen on Aiyuk. Jayden Daniels is no doubt pushing for his old college teammate and close friend, though he was keen not to say that publicly. Everyone knows he wants to join Washington. The Niners are also aware, but they are not going to gift-wrap the Arizona State product to an NFC rival.
It's a messy situation that has gone beyond tedious for fans. They want an end to the saga, but San Francisco doesn't want to set a dangerous precedent. Aiyuk has not covered himself in glory, and the Niners are not without blame either. But if the league sees the pass-catcher as untradable, realism needs to replace bitterness at some stage.
The Commanders will be ready and waiting. But they should also have other targets in mind.
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