Commanders' trade speculation for prolific wide receiver gains fresh legs

The Washington Commanders traded wide receiver Jahan Dotson to a division rival when Adam Peters struck a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. A parting of the ways seemed possible, but moving the player to a team they're going to see twice a year was shocking.

This was immediately followed by speculation that Peters might have something else up his sleeve. There are several disgruntled wide receivers on the market looking to get paid. Lynelle Willingham from 106.7 The Fan spoke to an unnamed national NFL insider, who believed the Commanders weren't done making wideout deals before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Inevitably, this came with fan-flaming regarding a trade for Brandon Aiyuk. The standout pass-catcher remains at loggerheads with the San Francisco 49ers over a lucrative new deal. A trade in principle was agreed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that was almost two weeks ago now and nothing has become concrete as yet.

The situation remains in limbo. One respected beat writer believes the Commanders could swoop in at the 11th hour and complete a bombshell transaction with Dotson out of the equation.

Commanders could make another play for Brandon Aiyuk before Week 1

Mike Silver from The San Francisco Chronicle didn't rule out the Commanders from making a last-minute play for Aiyuk. He said nothing much had changed and nothing could be completely dismissed. This re-ignited those among Washington's fanbase who are clamoring for the former first-round pick.

"My updated information is that everything is still on the table, including all the trades you've heard about… That Steelers scenario… I wouldn't rule out Washington."

- Mike Silver via KNBR

Aiyuk and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels are close friends from their time together at Arizona State. The pair spent a lot of time together this offseason, leaving the Heisman Trophy winner caught in the crossfire. Peters left the Niners earlier this year for a well-deserved promotion to general manager. Knowing the setup and those he's dealing with should ensure smooth negotiations in this scenario.

According to Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk, the Commanders were one of the teams who said they would pay Aiyuk the going rate. Peters inquired about the possibility earlier this offseason but nothing came from it. Now, speculation is rising once again about going back to the well with another offer.

This could be the biggest stumbling block of all. The Niners are reportedly looking for draft picks and another wide receiver in return. Parting ways with Terry McLaurin is out of the question. If San Francisco was willing to take Dyami Brown or perhaps reunite Luke McCaffrey with his brother, it's a different story.

This is a fluid situation. Trading Dotson was a big call to make. There's a good chance Peters has another move already lined up. Whether that's a play for Aiyuk or something less spectacular remains to be seen, but the Commanders need more to make things easier for Daniels during his important rookie campaign.

Fans are waiting with bated breath for what comes next. Tuesday's cut deadline brings significant drama and transactions aplenty. Looking at how aggressive Peters has been since taking the job, he'll be right in the thick of things.

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