Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is at loggerheads with the San Francisco 49ers. His actions have been under the microscope once again this week, but that hasn't stopped the Washington Commanders from being heavily connected to the pass-catcher.
The Niners are seemingly in no rush to release him. However, one NFL analyst believes that would change quickly if Aiyuk did the one thing nobody expects him to do.
Show up and declare a willingness to practice.
NFL analyst reaffirms obvious yet unlikely path for Brandon Aiyuk to join Commanders
Barry Svrluga of The Athletic thought that if Aiyuk truly wants to leave the Niners and force a move to Washington, he'll show his face in Santa Clara and force San Francisco's hand. They don't want to be responsible for his salary if he gets hurt, which could leave general manager John Lynch with no option but to admit defeat.
"If he really wants out of San Francisco — and it’s apparent that he does — then all he has to do is show up for one of the 49ers’ offseason workouts. Step on the field, and there are people who believe the Niners would cut him instantly because they don’t want to be responsible for paying him in 2026 should he get hurt in the offseason."
This is something we discussed not too long ago. Aiyuk would have to pass physicals and everything else, but if he is healthy to resume football activities and wants a quick exit from the Niners, he should show a willingness to get back involved and make Lynch do something about it.
Sounds good, in theory. But it's not going to happen.
Aiyuk isn't exactly known for making sound judgments. It might not be as easy as just turning up and being sent on his way, but it might be. The Niners have moved on. And even though they are holding out in the hope someone comes in with a trade offer, some around the league have already deemed him untradable.
As for the Commanders? They are waiting. Nobody knows for sure if general manager Adam Peters will make his move when Aiyuk becomes available, but it seems likely if quarterback Jayden Daniels has any say in the matter.
Daniels and Aiyuk are close. They have a strong bond that goes way beyond football. Reuniting them in Washington brings intrigue, but after missing so much time with a complicated knee injury, there are no plans to send a late-round pick to San Francisco to seal the deal.
The dynamic could shift if Aiyuk returns to the facility. But that is extremely unlikely, all the same.
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