The Washington Commanders have their sights set on the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to build on a positive free agency for the franchise. But there is one lingering rumor that refuses to go away.
That, to the surprise of nobody, is Brandon Aiyuk. Even though most see his arrival in Washington as a foregone conclusion at some stage, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan sent an unmistakable signal regarding the team's strategy around the receiver.
During his media availability at the league's annual meeting, Shanahan made it crystal clear that the Niners were not going to hook up the Commanders or anyone else before it was absolutely necessary. They are under no obligation to do right by the player after their relationship completely collapsed. They want to drag this out until all avenues for a trade have been shut. After that, the outcome will be inevitable.
49ers won't be doing the Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk any favors whatsoever
And for the Commanders, it confirms what they already knew.
"I don't have a date for it, but I know eventually it'll resolve itself. Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we're in no rush to do that. You've got to do what's right for the Niners, and you're not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it'll take care of itself."
This is a game of chicken. The Niners have Aiyuk under contract for three more years, so they can do whatever they like. General manager John Lynch showed his hand by claiming the pass-catcher had played his last snap for the club. Both San Francisco and Washington are well aware of the player's desire to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels. That's only going to make a trade offer from elsewhere even more difficult to attain.
The Commanders are not going to completely rely on Aiyuk joining the ranks. They could use the No. 7 overall selection on someone like Ohio State prospect Carnell Tate. Trading back would put Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon under the microscope. If not, acquiring a wideout further down the draft order in another deep class will be the play.
The Niners have been preparing for life without Aiyuk. They pulled off a massive coup in free agency with the signing of Mike Evans. Christian Kirk also joined the team, making the Arizona State product all but surplus to requirements. Even so, Shanahan just confirmed that San Francisco will push things to the limit.
And unless all possibilities have been exhausted, and there is no other choice, that's when Aiyuk will be released. Â
Shanahan and the Niners can be as petty as they want, but it doesn't change the reality. All the Commanders can do is bide their time if they are unwilling to throw a 2027 seventh-round pick to speed things up.