Nothing is any clearer about when Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers will part ways after the annual league meeting. The Washington Commanders are no doubt keeping a close eye on developments, but general manager Adam Peters won't be ignoring other ways to improve the wide receiver room either.
The comments from Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan regarding Aiyuk were telling. San Francisco is receiving criticism for how the situation is being handled, while others are placing the blame firmly on the player.
As always, the truth lies somewhere in between, but one former player with a connection to both clubs made a startling prediction that would completely escalate emotions.
Donte Whitner believes bitterness has firmly taken over as Commanders wait for Brandon Aiyuk
Donte Whitner, a two-time Pro Bowler who spent three years with the Niners and his final NFL campaign in Washington, thought this situation had gone way beyond San Francisco supposedly wanting something in return. He thought this was about sending a message, with John Lynch and Shanahan almost making it impossible for Aiyuk to play.
That would take the vindictiveness to a whole new level, but Whitner can see the signs. And he feels the Niners want to prove no player is bigger than the league.
"I understand why Kyle Shanahan feels the way that he feels. So when I’m sitting back and watching these meetings with the coaches, I’m not reading the letters. I’m looking at the verbiage. I’m looking at what does he actually mean.
"'We’re going to hold onto your rights for as long as possible to make it damn near impossible to play.' That’s what’s gonna happen. They really don’t care about a 7th-round draft pick. It’s about proving you’re not more powerful than the league, and that’s what’s gonna happen.”
The Niners can do as they please. Aiyuk won't be playing for them again, but he is under contract for three more seasons. Deep down, Lynch and Shanahan probably know that no team will be taking on his contract. At the same time, they are under no obligation to release him so he can join the Commanders as everyone expects.
Whitner has a point. This situation is a complete mess. The Commanders reportedly feel good about bringing in Aiyuk, thanks to quarterback Jayden Daniels' glowing reference. They won't be trading for him, so Peters can't do anything about it until the Niners officially pull the plug.
This could go on for months. Some are expecting this situation to be resolved after June 1, but even that is no guarantee. The Commanders will take the next steps when permitted. Aiyuk will stay quiet, which is the smartest thing to do in the circumstances.
If it happens, it happens. But the Commanders won't be waiting around.