Brandon Aiyuk and the Washington Commanders have been constantly connected for months. But that doesn't mean everyone is on board with a move that is quickly entering foregone conclusion territory.
And one of Aiyuk's most outspoken critics believes the Commanders would be making a grave mistake if they brought the wideout into the organization.
The Commanders are not pressing the issue with Aiyuk. General manager Adam Peters knows that the San Francisco 49ers will eventually have to release him. No trade suitor was ever going to come forward, and some recent reports indicate he could even be cut loose before training camp rather than just before Week 1.
Commanders were once again warned about the dangers of signing Brandon Aiyuk
Just how much substance is attached to that is anyone's guess. The Commanders will wait, and the Niners have been stung enough to make things extremely uncomfortable for the player. At the same time, one has to wonder just what the point is in dragging this soap opera on for much longer.
Mark Schlereth, a three-time Super Bowl winner who now works as an analyst for FOX Sports, hasn't been quiet about his concerns regarding Aiyuk. His latest outburst came with a warning for Washington about the meltdown he thinks would arrive if things aren't going his way.
“No. You can’t fix stupid. So I don’t know how you’re gonna fix that… You think your expert tutelage is gonna get that guy to not have a meltdown when something doesn’t go his way?"
Schlereth's criticism is valid to a point, especially given how Aiyuk has conducted himself. But the Commanders know precisely what they are getting, and they have influential figures who can keep the former Arizona State standout in line.
Aiyuk and quarterback Jayden Daniels are extremely close. It's the biggest reason why the pass-catcher wants Washington — to reunite with his good friend. Their brotherhood goes way beyond football, and the 2020 first-round pick will be doing everything in his power to extend his stay with the Commanders in this scenario.
Head coach Dan Quinn is widely respected around the league. Aiyuk would have no trouble buying into the culture, especially considering the burning microscope that would be on him. If that wasn't enough, Peters also knows him well from their days in San Francisco, so he'll have a better strategy than most about how to keep him on the right track.
There are obvious risks, and we haven't even discussed the injury problems that have kept Aiyuk off the field since midway through the 2024 campaign. But if there was one place where the receiver could galvanize his career, it's with Daniels and the Commanders.
Schlereth may not be convinced. But if the Commanders hold a different opinion, that's the only thing that matters.
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