3 bombshell trade packages for the Commanders to land Brandon Aiyuk

Could one of these deals get it done?
Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Brandon Aiyuk officially handing in a trade request reignited speculation surrounding a potential switch to the Washington Commanders. The San Francisco 49ers still hold all the leverage, but this is another sign of how disgruntled the star wide receiver is becoming about the perceived mismanagement of his contract situation.

According to Mike Garafolo from the NFL Network, discussions surrounding a long-term deal stalled in May and haven't resumed. The landscape may have shifted following Justin Jefferson's record-breaking deal with the Minnesota Vikings, which complicates matters.

Washington inquired earlier this offseason but was knocked back. Whether it's something general manager Adam Peters calls his old employers about again is another matter.

Aiyuk wants to be paid. If not by the Niners, then someone else. His close relationship with Commanders' rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels - who he spent a lot of downtime with this offseason - only fans the flames further about a potential switch to the nation's capital.

It would be surprising if Aiyuk didn't start the season in a Niners' uniform. At the same time, everyone has a price when it comes to NFL trade negotiations. With this in mind, here are three potential bombshell packages the Commanders could offer San Francisco to secure the prolific pass-catchers services.

Commanders trade offer No. 1

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This was a recent package touted around the media. The Washington Commanders would send their 2025 second-round selection coupled with a third-rounder in 2026 to the San Francisco 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk in this hypothetical scenario.

While it sacrifices two draft selections, the compensation could be a lot worse. Aiyuk is a genuine difference-maker in the passing game who's already got a previous connection with potential franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time together at Arizona State. He's also just entering his prime, so the long-term benefits of bringing him on board are obvious.

The Niners might want much more, especially considering they could easily place the franchise tag on Aiyuk next spring to prevent him from leaving for nothing in free agency. They also have a history of getting extensions sorted shortly before the season, so entertaining an offer such as this might not be in their train of thought right now.