The Washington Commanders need to provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with more productive weapons in the passing game. New offensive coordinator David Blough's promotion brings intrigue, but it will count for nothing if the personnel isn't up to the required standard.
And there is one notable development around the league that Commanders fans are keeping a close eye on.
It seemed for a long time as if wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers would go their separate ways this offseason. He's missed the entire 2025 campaign due to injury, and he completely cut off contact with his current employers. What the reasons are is anyone's guess, but this fractured relationship is well past the point of no return.
John Lynch admission sets the stage for Jayden Daniels-Brandon Aiyuk reunion with the Commanders
Niners' general manager John Lynch dropped the biggest hint yet that Aiyuk won't be around in San Francisco for much longer. He remains mystified by the wideout's conduct, but he admitted that he's done.
"It's safe to say he's played his last snap with the Niners."John Lynch via NFL.com
We haven't heard anything from Aiyuk on the saga, which is telling. But it hasn't taken long for the Commanders to come up in speculation around his next destination.
Aiyuk and Daniels are close friends. They developed a strong bond during their time together in college at Arizona State. They remain tight to this day, speaking often and hanging out constantly during the offseason.
The pass-catcher has also hinted previously that he would like to play with Daniels. Aiyuk seemed keen on the idea before signing his contract extension in San Francisco. And if he gets the choice to pick his next destination, which seems entirely plausible, Washington might be right at the top of his list.
Daniels would no doubt vouch for his friend, but general manager Adam Peters cannot ignore what unfolded in San Francisco. He was Lynch's former right-hand man. He will do his due diligence before making a decision, one way or another, but the red flags must be addressed before Washington moves.
Trading for Aiyuk is out of the question. Teams will be reluctant to give up draft capital for someone on the brink of release. But if they get the player on a cost-effective prove-it deal next season, that seems a lot more feasible.
Perhaps Aiyuk has taken drastic measures to engineer a move to reunite with Daniels. It would be a gamble for the Commanders, given recent events and the player's injury history, but if Daniels gets any say in the matter, this signing is a foregone conclusion.
Peters doesn't seem the type to be pressured. But if Aiyuk can get back to anything like his old form, this would be a massive upgrade on anything Washington has aside from Terry McLaurin.
Watch this space…