Most in the NFL believe wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will end up with the Washington Commanders at some point before the 2026 season. But for the first time, one respected insider didn't sound so sure.
The San Francisco 49ers are in no rush to finalize Aiyuk's departure. They are still holding out for a trade offer that probably won't arrive. Washington is reportedly unwilling to send over a draft pick to end this ongoing saga. Considering the wideout's roster bonus isn't due until just before Week 1, the NFC West club could hang onto him for months.
Aiyuk wants to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The signal-caller is pushing hard behind the scenes, and the Commanders are supposedly receptive to the idea. But they will not be paying for the privilege unless general manager Adam Peters has a change of heart.
Jordan Schultz isn't convinced Brandon Aiyuk will land with the Commanders
NFL insider Jordan Schultz acknowledged that Aiyuk won't be in San Francisco next season. The connection to Washington and Daniels is obvious, but he's not entirely convinced this move will happen either.
"He won’t be there next season, and at some point, you’d have to assume he’ll probably be released because everyone knows he’s not going to be there. “So why would you trade for him? There’s an obvious connection to Washington because of Jayden Daniels, Arizona State and that relationship. But I’m still not convinced that’s going to happen, either.”
This is new. And for those Washington fans clamoring for Peters to take a chance on Aiyuk, it might be enough to raise alarm bells.
The former Arizona State standout hasn't covered himself in glory. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are not without blame, leaving everyone in limbo. There is hurt pride, damaged feelings, and real bitterness. Emotions are getting in the way, which is always dangerous. And the Commanders are somehow caught in the middle.
Unless the Commanders outright tell Aiyuk they are not interested, this is likely his preferred destination. He's not speaking to other interested parties about renegotiating his contract, making a move almost impossible, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reports. The Niners are also playing hardball, so there will come a time when Washington will pursue other targets to upgrade its receiver corps.
Any new signing at this point wouldn't preclude the Commanders from signing Aiyuk when his time in San Francisco finally ends. But if Schultz isn't convinced, there may be some doubt in Washington's front office as well.
As always, it's a waiting game. It's already dragged on for too long. And if the Niners remain stubborn, it's going to go on for a whole lot longer.
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