Analyst outlines one complication with potential Commanders' trade target

Speculation remains rampant about Brandon Aiyuk's future. There's nothing to suggest the San Francisco 49ers are going to move the wide receiver despite his trade request. This could go on for a while yet, but it hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning as everyone waits for what comes next.

Aiyuk wants to get paid among the top NFL receivers. He's 26 years old with 3,931 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns over his first four seasons. If the Niners don't want to reward him accordingly, several other teams would be happy to take him off their hands.

The Washington Commanders, for example.

It's no secret that Aiyuk and new Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels are close friends. They've been spending plenty of time together throughout the offseason - which caused a stir in itself. The wideout's unhappiness didn't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters, who called San Francisco earlier this offseason without anything concrete emerging from the trade inquiry according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Analyst names Commanders as most natural fit for Brandon Aiyuk

The former first-round pick's trade request reignited talk of a potential reunion between Aiyuk and Daniels in the pros. Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports thought the Commanders seemed like the most natural fit if the Niners became more receptive to offers. However, the analyst questioned whether Peters would be willing to stump up the compensation needed to get this transaction over the line.

"The ties between [Brandon] Aiyuk and the [Washington] Commanders have been lingering all offseason. He is friends with Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels from their days together at Arizona State. According to OverTheCap.com, the Commanders have the second-most effective salary-cap space in the NFL at a little more than $37 million. A potential issue is that the Commanders' draft picks could be very valuable next season — they did draft second overall in April — and a rebuilding team might pause at giving up a lot of picks and a massive contract for Aiyuk. But if the 49ers move Aiyuk, the Commanders seem to be the most natural fit. It has to be enticing to think about Daniels and Aiyuk growing together."

- Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports

It's a game of cat and mouse between Aiyuk and San Francisco right now. The Arizona State product wants to force the issue after extension talks stalled in May. Putting this front and center just a few short days before camp was a calculated move by his representatives. Whether it shifts the needle is another matter.

The Commanders will be watching events unfold closely. Daniels will push hard for the trade if the opportunity comes along. Peters coming from San Francisco's front office earlier this year should ensure negotiations go smoothly if it comes down to that. Aiyuk himself stated that he'd be willing to join Washington if things don't work out in the California sunshine.

Washington or Aiyuk don't have any leverage here. The Niners have the prolific pass-catcher under contract until 2025. They can place the franchise tag on him after that. There's no real urgency to resolve this issue despite the organization developing a reputation for tying down their top stars ahead of time.

Sacrifices need to be made next spring to give Aiyuk the money he's looking for. The Niners are $38.91 million over the cap and also have to extend quarterback Brock Purdy. This adds another level of fascination to what's quickly become a complex equation.

All the Commanders can do is bide their time and wait for an opening to arrive. Perhaps one might not arrive at all.