Nobody needs to be told what's going down between wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers. The column inches around the media are long, and everyone has an opinion. And whether they like it or not, the Washington Commanders are caught in the fire.
But that has some weight, according to one respected NFL analyst.
Aiyuk wanting to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels is a worst-kept secret around the NFL. The Niners know it, and the Commanders are reportedly willing to bring him on board. That won't be via trade, unless there is a drastic change from general manager Adam Peters. But if he is released at some stage, the possibility will be explored.
That might not be anytime soon.
Mike Garafolo believes Brandon Aiyuk to the Commanders must happen soon
The Niners have dug in their heels, holding onto Aiyuk in the hope of getting a trade offer. He's not speaking to other teams, which is essential to facilitate a move from a contractual standpoint. But if the same trend continues, this could go on right until Week 1 if they see fit.
Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network thought there was a chance for Aiyuk to end up in Washington, based on his report via JP Finlay of NBC Sports. The insider thought it needed to happen quickly, but he wasn't entirely sure what San Francisco was holding out for.
"He’s certainly got the chance to be in Washington if he can get out of there in short order. I don't know what the 49ers are waiting for.”
Most experts and insiders believe that finding a trade partner will be difficult. Niners' general manager John Lynch once again pleaded with any interested parties to come forward after the 2026 draft, but the money and his injury problems indicate the phone is not going to be ringing off the hook.
So, just where does that leave the Commanders?
Daniels wants him. He's made that clear, and he's fueled belief in the building. Aiyuk is not a sure thing, so other possibilities should be considered as well. There is also a chance Washington stands pat with the options already available, which would be much riskier.
The Niners don't owe Aiyuk anything. They could keep him, fine him for not showing up, and be ready to cut the cord just before his roster bonus is due. If the media knows it, teams around the league do too. And that's precisely why Peters is biding his time before possibly making Daniels' dreams come true.
It's far from ideal. Aiyuk is healthy and wants to play, but he desperately needs a full offseason to get back into the groove and in genuine football shape. Anything less is only going to darken the cloud around his outlook, which would be just fine with San Francisco.
Garafolo hinted that there may be a timeline involved before Washington turns its attention to other targets. But in all honesty, there is no telling for sure.
Until then, we wait...
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