Commanders reportedly admit defeat in Brandon Aiyuk trade pursuit

The Washington Commanders have been constantly linked with a trade for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. His contract stalemate coupled with the player's close relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels left many thinking this would be the perfect landing spot for the prolific pass-catcher. Something that would provide the franchise with a legitimate one-two punch alongside Terry McLaurin.

Adam Peters called his old employers earlier this offseason with an inquiry but nothing concrete emerged. It seemed as if the San Francisco 49ers would work something out with the wideout, but there's a growing belief that a parting of the ways could be imminent.

Aiyuk's next destination hasn't been determined as yet. However, it doesn't look like the former first-round pick will reunite with his old college teammate.

Commanders reportedly out of the running for Brandon Aiyuk

According to Matt Maiocco from NBC Sports, the Commanders were one of a handful of teams Aiyuk was permitted to speak to about a long-term extension. The reporter added that Washington and the Pittsburgh Steelers are now out of the running, leaving the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots as the most likely trade partners very shortly.

"The 49ers gave permission to Aiyuk to negotiate potential contracts with the Browns, Patriots, Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers, the source said. The Commanders have removed themselves from trade talks for Aiyuk, and the Steelers effectively no longer are an option after they declined to meet the 49ers’ trade demands, the source said. The Browns and Patriots have given their best offers to Aiyuk’s camp while also presenting trade proposals that the 49ers have accepted, the source said. The 49ers likely would acquire a veteran wide receiver and a package of draft picks from the Browns or the Patriots."

- Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports

Whether it was Aiyuk's contract demands or the compensation attached to this transaction remains to be seen. Peters knows how good the wideout is. But if the financial commitment or draft picks required to acquire him didn't fit into the Commanders' long-term plans for progress, pulling the plug was always likely.

This will be disappointing to some fans. Perhaps even to Aiyuk and Daniels themselves given how they've been joined at the hip almost all offseason.

At the time time, everything the Commanders do these days is business-first. There's no more mortgaging the future - at least not at this stage of the rebuild. Peters is methodical and has a project in place to get this once-proud franchise back among the contenders. It doesn't seem like Aiyuk fits into that right now.

The fact San Francisco is contemplating trading Aiyuk after initially stating that he'd remain part of their plans is a testament to how fractured this relationship became quickly. Players like this don't become available in their prime too often. The Commanders were right to explore the possibility, even if it appears to be a step too far.

Nothing has been confirmed one way or another, but an end to this long-running saga isn't far off. If this report is accurate and the Commanders have thrown in the towel, they'll have to make do with what they have in the wideout room and hope Daniels can elevate them accordingly.

Peters earned trust this offseason. If he doesn't think it's the correct play, that should be enough to appease fans.

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