The Washington Commanders are not putting all their hopes on Brandon Aiyuk joining the franchise. That possibility may not become realistic until June, given how difficult the San Francisco 49ers are being about his inevitable departure. But a new report suggested general manager Adam Peters is becoming increasingly receptive to the possibility.
And there is a big reason why.
Aiyuk will eventually be free. Niners general manager John Lynch has already stated that the wide receiver has played his last down for the club. He's reportedly holding out for a willing trade suitor to come forward, but they can also cut him with a post-June 1 designation now if they want to.
Both the Niners and Commanders are supposedly well aware that Aiyuk wants to reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former college teammate and close friend. When he's eventually released, this would be an ideal landing spot.
Commanders reportedly feeling good about Brandon Aiyuk, thanks to Jayden Daniels
That is key. Daniels is pushing hard for the move behind the scenes.
According to ESPN team insider John Keim, the sense is that Washington is feeling pretty good about Aiyuk coming into the fold, thanks to Daniels, and that he is working hard to play. The 2020 first-round pick out of Arizona State is also viewed as a good teammate who commands respect in the locker room.
This has gotten lost amid his fractured relationship with San Francisco. Nobody may ever know what truly went down, but Daniels vouching so positively for Aiyuk is making the Commanders think a little differently about making a commitment.
Of course, Aiyuk is no stranger to Peters either. They were together in San Francisco, so he'll be in a better position than most to make a judgment. He'll want to make Daniels happy, but anything less than a one-year, prove-it deal with heavy incentives attached wouldn't be smart.
Aiyuk is still a risky signing. He didn't play last season and hasn't seen an NFL field in a competitive setting since Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. Getting back to his old form will be difficult, but it won't be impossible with an already developed chemistry in place with Washington's signal-caller.
It's about biding time. The Commanders are still looking for more receiver help, regardless of whether Aiyuk comes in or not. But if he did join and Washington found a productive wideout in the 2026 NFL Draft, that could change everything.
But buckle up, this could go on for a while yet.